Monday morning the City of Salem issued a statement regarding reports of discolored water over the weekend but also noted that there was not a boil water advisory issued.
According to Salem Mayor Justin Green, as of Wednesday afternoon, crews identified the likely cause of Sunday’s discolored water issue.
In 2010, a redundant piping project was installed South of the water treatment facility, said Green.
“It served a need for many years for distribution. However, now it appears it is trapping water and not allowing for proper flows within a half mile section,” he said. “This trapping effect will cause water to become stagnant and discolored if left for a considerable amount of time.”
With a change of flow from demands further down the line, this water is getting mixed in with delivery of the other distribution line, Green said.
State officials and engineers agree to isolate and remove the redundancy.
The Mayor said materials needed for the project have been ordered and will be shipped overnight.
Green said crews will make all repairs and adjustments as soon as possible.
Additional flushing will occur thereafter.
In meantime, Salem Utilities will continue to address areas of concern.
