Salem
Is Salem tap water safe to drink?
Mostly yes — Salem scores 84/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 2 local systems in Salem. We found 43 total violations (24 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 11:00 AM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Salem.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Salem?
Expert Advice
Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.
Buying a Filter?
Filtration technologies matched to Salem contaminant records.
Baby Formula Safety
Guidance on preparing infant formula using municipal tap water in Salem.
Homebuyer's Perspective
Municipal water quality in Salem directly influences pipe corrosion rates and home filtration needs. The high safety score (84/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.
Health & Family Safety
Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.
View Health Risk Glossary →Compliance Record for Salem
Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Salem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salem tap water safe to drink?
Mostly yes — Salem scores 84/100.
How many water systems serve Salem?
Salem is served by 2 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.
How can I check water quality for my exact address in Salem?
Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Salem.
What is the water quality score for Salem?
The water quality score for Salem is 84 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 2 systems serving the city.
What are the top contaminants in Salem?
The top contaminants detected in Salem include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.
Salem Water Quality Summary
Salem, OR receives a water quality score of 84/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 2 public water systems serving the area.
Salem's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.
Salem's score of 84 is 1 point above the Oregon state average of 83, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.
Residents of this mid-size Oregon city benefit from a Pacific Northwest location surrounded by forested mountains and coastline, which naturally yields generally clean source water. Salem distributes this supply through dual water systems to serve the community's household needs. Prospective homebuyers will find that the water quality consistently achieves a solid, respectable grade. Overall, the local systems effectively deliver the region's clean natural resources directly to residential taps.
Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our Oregon water quality rankings report →
Key Contaminants
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Water Systems Serving Salem (2)
Check Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in Salem.
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