To provide further context:
***The City of Stayton’s potable water supply to its residents will not be impacted by these actions.***
The Santiam Water Control District (SWCD) and the City of Stayton have been in ongoing coordination for several days in advance of the forecasted severe storm event, which is expected to generate significant turbidity and debris loading in the North Santiam River. Current forecasts indicate that this storm may rank between the 10th and 11th largest on record.
As a result of the anticipated river conditions, substantial debris accumulation is expected at the SWCD intake screens on the Hydro Channel, from which the City of Stayton normally withdraws its potable water supply.
To maintain water supply reliability during such events, the City of Stayton maintains an intertie with the City of Salem specifically for high-turbidity and emergency supply conditions. While this intertie remains operational and available, it has not been activated for a storm-related event in more than ten years.
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Due to the storm event, the Santiam Water Control District has closed the Hydro Channel intake from which the City of Stayton normally withdraws its potable water supply.
Tentatively starting on Friday, December 19, 2025 through Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the City of Stayton will be shutting off water from the Stayton Water Treatment Plant and will be using water supplied from the City of Salem’s Water Treatment Plant.
As with many municipal water systems, treatment processes and additives can vary.
