The city of Salem is extending a drinking water advisory for some members of the public for at least two more weeks. According to a statement posted on the City of Salem Facebook page, test results from water samples taken on Friday, June 8, indicate that the presence of cyanotoxins in the water distribution system is below EPA advisory levels for vulnerable populations.

Though the test results provide two consecutive days of results below the EPA guidelines, as "a precautionary measure," the drinking water advisory will be extended for at least two more weeks "to ensure safe drinking water for our residents and water customers," as the Facebook post says.

Though the water is safe for most people to drink, those considered vulnerable are children younger than 6; the elderly; pregnant and nursing women; people on dialysis or with compromised immune systems; and pets.

In a statement included in the Facebook post, Salem City Manager Steve Powers says, "Because we have an active algal bloom in our water source, we've decided to be proactive by keeping the drinking water advisory in place – regardless of the results of our sampling – for the next two weeks, while we continue to test and refine these new treatment methods. We've heard concerns about the two-day lag between our sampling and receiving results of tests from our lab. By keeping the drinking water advisory in place, we hope to reduce confusion and give our residents and our water customers the opportunity to take the precautions they feel necessary for their families and their customers."

The cityofsalem.net webpage has more details about the drinking water advisory and water filling stations.

-- Kristi Turnquist