SALEM — A report says that city staff in Salem, Oregon, failed to anticipate the impact a health advisory issued during the area's water crisis would have on the public.



The report released Friday said the advisory resulted in a communications crisis and the city was not able to handle the deluge of calls.



The Statesman Journal reports that the study, compiled by The Novak Consulting Group at the request of the city, is based on interviews with more than 20 city staff members, council members and e a review of documents and news articles.



This crisis began May 25 when Salem Public Works staff became aware of toxins from an algae bloom detected in Salem's water supply. The first drinking water advisory was issued May 29, warning the elderly, sick and young not to use tap water.



Overall, the report says the city was successful in protecting the public from raised levels of cyanotoxins and praised the city for its problem-solving, environmental expertise and dedicated staff.



The intent of the report, it notes, is to provide improvement opportunities, not place blame.



"It important for us to share what we've learned and what we are doing about it," Salem City Manager Steve Powers said in a statement. "We have made, and continue to make, improvements to those things we can control, such as water treatment and testing processes, emergency communications, and operations."

-- The Associated Press