Salem residents urged to watch their water use

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By KATU.com Staff

Story Created: Jul 28, 2009 at 6:20 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 29, 2009 at 7:46 AM PDT

The city of Salem is asking residents to cut back on their water use after an algae bloom on the North Santiam River has reduced the city’s typical water supply. Until restrictions can be lifted, the city is asking people to avoid watering their lawns and washing cars at home.

SALEM, Ore. – The city of Salem is asking residents to cut back on their water use after an algae bloom on the North Santiam River has reduced the city’s typical water supply.

"We really need all citizens to respond to these conditions" City of Salem Public Works Director Peter Fernandez said in a press release.  "We are hoping that voluntarily reductions will get us through these issues. Whatever we conserve now helps not having mandatory reductions later this week.

Until the restrictions can be lifted, the city is asking people to avoid watering their lawns and washing cars at home and to shut off their decorative fountains.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also discovered a problem with two of the three gates at Big Cliff Reservoir, located four miles downstream from Detroit Lake, which also contributed to the problem.  Repairs may take several days.

Record-dry year

So far, 2013 is the driest year on record for our area. Do you want it to rain?

  • Yes, I'm tired of watering my yard
  • Yes, my yard is dead
  • No, we'll grow oranges in Alaska!

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