Is Salem Water Safe? Superintendent Mills Addresses Local Concerns
- Jacob Dufour | Publisher
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
As one of our most-requested stories to date, the Washington County Times understands that this topic is very important to our readers. That said, some questions and concerns may not be fully addressed or answered in this article. We are committed to providing a satisfactory and transparent journalistic service to our readers, and will provide follow-ups if and when updates become available.
This summer, many Washington County residents have reported issues with their tap water, citing changes in appearance, taste, and smell.
These complaints, often shared in local Facebook groups, seem to resurface semi-annually, but this year’s reports seem to be more widespread and carry an increased sense of urgency among locals. And Washington County isn't alone – similar issues have been reported in many other parts of the Midwest, from Wisconsin to Kansas, as other communities experience unusual summer water conditions – specifically, one of the highest algal blooms our area has seen in well over a decade.
City of Salem Water Distribution Superintendent and Water Treatment Superintendent Jennifer Mills told The Washington County Times that the problems are tied to environmental factors affecting surface water systems.
“Our drinking water comes from a surface water supply [Lake John Hay],” Mills said. “Like all surface water plants in the area, we have been experiencing the effects of high temperatures and significant rainfall, which has increased the amount of organic compound and sediment entering the raw water supply.”
According to Salem Water Works, this has led to two primary complaints:
Brownish discoloration from increased runoff and stirred-up mineral sediments, including iron and manganese that naturally build up in pipes over time.
Earthy or musty taste and odor caused by harmless organic compounds produced by the seasonal algal blooms.
While the changes may be unpleasant, Mills emphasized that testing shows the water remains safe. “We have been in communication with the state throughout this entire process… everything has been approved,” she said. “This is an aesthetic problem.”
To view results of local water testing, Mills recommends that customers visit https://indwv.gecsws.com/.
Mills also addressed a recent public concern about manganese – a necessary mineral for human health, provided it is consumed only in small amounts. On July 16, an update was issued to an existing boil water advisory after the Salem Water Treatment Plant found raised levels of manganese in the water from Lake John Hay. Some residents took to social media to raise concerns that manganese is not only unaffected by boiling, but can be very harmful at high levels, particularly for infants.
Mills said the manganese spike was brief and well below harmful thresholds. “We were getting spikes in our manganese… it was never up high,” she said, explaining that the highest recorded level during the incident was 0.051 mg/L, far below the 0.3 mg/L level considered harmful. She added that the spike lasted only about four hours before returning to between 0.01 and 0.02 mg/L that same day.
“Your understanding and patience are appreciated as efforts are made to restore the aesthetic quality of your drinking water,” says a statement released by Mills.
A full copy of the statement can be found below:
“Dear Valued Customers,
This notice is to address concerns regarding the appearance of your drinking water, (Brownish tint) and the presence of unpleasant tastes and odors.
Our drinking water comes from a surface water supply. Like all surface water systems, it is subject to water quality changes due to environmental factors. All surface water plants are being affected by the recent high temperatures and significant rainfall which has increased the amount of organic compound and sediment entering raw water supplies.
These conditions may impact your water:
Brownish Discoloration: Heavy rainfall and increased runoff can wash dissolved and particulate matter, such as decaying leaves and eroded soil, into source water. This increased load of organic material can cause brownish or yellow tint in the water even after treatment. Changes in water flow can also stir up mineral sediments, mainly iron and manganese, that naturally accumulate in pipes over time, leading to temporary discoloration. This type of discoloration is considered an aesthetic issue and does not necessarily indicate a public health concern.
Unpleasant Taste and Odor: (Earthy/Musty): An increase in temperatures create the ideal conditions for algal blooms in the surface water source. These blooms, though removed during treatment, can produce harmless organic compounds like geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB). These compounds can be detected at very low concentrations by some customers resulting in an earthy musty taste and odor some may be experiencing.
The Treatment Plant is adjusting its processes and increasing monitoring to address these water quality changes. Continuous monitoring of water quality parameters, including disinfectant residuals, help ensure safety. We are in communication with IDEM and all routine and special monitoring samples were analyzed and approved. Frequent water quality testing is conducted at various stages of the treatment process and in the distribution system to ensure the water quality. Your understanding and patience are appreciated as efforts are made to restore the aesthetic quality of your drinking water.
Sincerely,
Salem Water”
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: The Washington County Times understands that this topic is important to our readers, and we will provide follow-ups if and when updates become available.
Comments