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Salem Public Works

Salem, OR · serves 199,820 · Surface waterOR4100731
All clear
All monitored contaminants within federal limits. Last updated from the most recent CCR and EPA monitoring data available.
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Measured in your 2025 water report
From your utility's Consumer Confidence Report · 77 contaminants tested
Above limit
Approaching limit
Within limits
Regulated contaminants — legally enforceable limits
Fluoride▸
0.647 mg/L · Dec 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 0.59 to 0.7 mg/L across 3 samples (Feb to Dec 2025).
What is it?
Naturally occurring mineral, also added to many water systems to prevent tooth decay. The MCL (4 mg/L) is much higher than the typical added amount (0.7 mg/L).
Why it matters
At levels near the MCL, long-term exposure can cause skeletal fluorosis (bone pain and tenderness). The secondary standard of 2 mg/L triggers a required public notice about dental fluorosis risk in children.
What to do
Levels below 2 mg/L are within the range considered safe. If above 2 mg/L, children under 9 may be at risk for dental fluorosis — talk to your pediatric dentist.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found lower IQ in children and potential thyroid disruption at concentrations as low as 1.5 mg/L — 3x below the US federal limit.
Nitrate (as N)▸
0.2 mg/L · Jan 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 0.053 to 0.2 mg/L across 7 samples (Jan to Dec 2025).
What is it?
Comes from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits. One of the most common groundwater contaminants in agricultural areas.
Why it matters
Nitrate above 10 mg/L can cause "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia) in infants under 6 months — it interferes with blood's ability to carry oxygen. Adults can tolerate higher levels.
What to do
If you have an infant on formula and your water is above 5 mg/L, consider using bottled water for formula preparation. Boiling water does NOT remove nitrate — it concentrates it.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found neural tube defects, preterm birth, and low birth weight at concentrations as low as 5 mg/L — 2x below the US federal limit.
Lead & copper — tested at your tap
Copper▸
0.217 mg/L · Sep 2025
Action levellegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 0.005 to 0.34 mg/L across 77 samples (Jun to Sep 2025).
What is it?
Leaches from copper household plumbing and pipes. Some copper is a normal part of drinking water infrastructure.
Why it matters
Short-term exposure above the action level of 1.3 mg/L can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure can cause liver and kidney damage. At typical detected levels (well below the AL), copper is not a health concern.
What to do
If above the action level, run your tap for 30 seconds before drinking. Copper levels decrease as water flows through the pipes.
Lead▸
0.0018 mg/L · Sep 2025
Action levellegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 0.001 to 0.026 mg/L across 77 samples (Jun to Sep 2025).
Peaked at 0.026 mg/L in 2025; the most recent round is now under the 0.015 mg/L limit.
What is it?
Lead in drinking water almost always comes from your home's plumbing — not from the water source or treatment plant. Lead pipes, solder, and brass fixtures can leach lead, especially if water sits in pipes for hours.
Why it matters
There is no safe level of lead exposure. Even low levels can harm children's brain development, and cause kidney and blood pressure problems in adults. The action level of 15 µg/L is a regulatory trigger, not a safety threshold.
What to do
Run your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning. Use cold water for cooking and formula — hot water leaches more lead. A filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead removal is the most reliable protection.
What the research says
There is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead crosses the placenta and causes preterm birth and cognitive impairment in children at blood lead levels below 10 µg/dL.
Disinfection byproducts
HAA5▸
15.8 µg/L · Oct 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 6.6 to 24 µg/L across 32 samples (Jan to Oct 2025).
Compliance for HAA5 is calculated as a locational running annual average (LRAA), not single samples. This system's LRAA was 15.82 µg/L, within the 60 µg/L MCL.
What is it?
Another group of disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. HAA5 measures the five most common species.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 60 µg/L (0.060 mg/L) is associated with increased cancer risk. Like THMs, the MCL is based on a running annual average.
What to do
Activated carbon filters can reduce HAA5. If your system consistently approaches the limit, a reverse osmosis filter provides more complete removal.
TTHM▸
18.5 µg/L · Oct 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 7.5 to 21 µg/L across 32 samples (Jan to Oct 2025).
Compliance for TTHM is calculated as a locational running annual average (LRAA), not single samples. This system's LRAA was 18.5 µg/L, within the 80 µg/L MCL.
What is it?
Formed when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. Includes chloroform, bromoform, and related compounds. The trade-off: disinfection prevents waterborne disease, but creates these byproducts.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 80 µg/L (0.080 mg/L) is associated with increased cancer risk and possible reproductive effects. The MCL is based on a running annual average, not a single sample.
What to do
If your system is near or above the limit, an activated carbon filter (including pitcher filters like Brita) can reduce THMs. Running water for a minute before drinking also helps, as THMs are volatile and dissipate.
WHO recommendation
Sodium▸
9.7 mg/L · Dec 2025
WHO guidelineinternational, unenforced
Sample history
Range: 7.8 to 9.7 mg/L across 3 samples (Feb to Dec 2025).
What is it?
Naturally present in most water sources. Also increases from road salt, water softeners, and natural mineral deposits.
Why it matters
There is no federal MCL for sodium. The WHO suggests a guideline of 200 mg/L for people on sodium-restricted diets. For most people, sodium in water is a small fraction of dietary intake.
What to do
If you're on a sodium-restricted diet and your water is above 20 mg/L, talk to your doctor. For most people, no action needed.
OTHER
TOTAL MICROCYSTINS▸
0.26 UG/L
No additional information available for this contaminant.
% of limit

Other measurements

These describe characteristics of the water that aren’t health risks at typical levels — mineral content, taste, hardness, and similar.

TOC
▸
1.1 mg/L

CCR data in early access — values are extracted from utility PDFs and may contain errors. Verify with your utility's 2025 CCR report.

Source: SALEM PUBLIC WORKS Consumer Confidence Report 2025 · Extracted by WaterScore
Measured data
Private Well Risk

Do you have or use a private well? Measured concentrations from nearby private wells sampled within 5 miles.

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Blended supply
Water Sources

Salem uses both groundwater and surface water sources, giving it more supply flexibility during drought conditions.

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Spatial context
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