Salem water sees decrease in toxins, Wilsonville sees increase

Salem tap water could be safe for everyone after another day, said city officials Friday. There’s no guarantee, because toxin levels can wax and wane, but water treatment staff are seeing a trend line in the right direction. The city needs two days of clean test results before a water advisory that caused some residents panic can be lifted.

Meanwhile, Wilsonville notified residents Friday afternoon officials there might have to issue a similar advisory. Their water treatment staff detected trace levels of cyanotoxins, caused by blue-green algae, but are not sure if the levels are enough to caution residents.

"We’re being abundantly cautious here, and providing information that allows our community members to make an informed decision," said City Manager Bryan Cosgrove. "We’re diligently following protocols put in place by the EPA as well as recommendations from state and local authorities, and will put out an advisory if we receive confirmation that we’re above acceptable levels."

Currently, the vast majority of residents in the Salem area are encouraged to keep drinking the tap water. The advisory only affects children under 6; pets; the elderly; people on dialysis or with compromised immune systems; or pregnant or nursing mothers. The affected […]

Full article: Salem water sees decrease in toxins, while Wilsonville sees increase