OHA Drinking Water Services
OHA Drinking Water Services
Contact Report Details
PWS ID: OR41 00731
PWS Name: SALEM PUBLIC WORKS
 
Who Was Contacted: Lacey Goeres Priest
Contact Phone: (Email address hidden)
Contact Date: 04/17/2026
Contacted By: WIKSTROM, CHANTAL (DWP)
Contact Method/Location: Email
 
Assistance Type: WATER QUALITY COMPLAINT
Reasons: Other
Coliform
 
Details: Friday (4/17) DWS received a phone duty complaint from a customer of Copper Creek Estates, a mobile home community in Salem. On the morning of April 15th, a creature (believed to be a leech) came out from the bathtub faucet while a daughter was preparing to shower.

Later on the 15th, Salem Public Water Works arrived to test water quality parameters (coliform and chlorine residual). Water quality parameters were normal at the house and there was no indication of any water quality issues. Chlorine residual was within normal range at house, measured at 1.09 mg/L. The customer provided the specimen, and it was brought back to the public works shop office. The specimen was placed in a new vial with tap water from Shops and it immediately became stressed and died within a few minutes to verify that it would not survive in chlorinated water.

On April 16th, Angela sought a second opinion from Evergreen Plumbing. After a full inspection of the crawlspace and interior fixtures, the plumber confirmed there are no leaks or broken pipes. However, he considered the water not safe to drink.

This mobile home park is served by two master meters by the City of Salem. Additionally, the customer said it was only this one specimen that was seen from the community. It is the community’s private distribution system past the two master meters. The City of Salem does have double check backflow assemblies on the city side of the meters.

DWS recommended notifying community managers, further testing or physical inspections of nearby homes. Based on information provided, the specimen most likely hitchhiked off a pet or some clothing. City and DWS staff recommended properly disinfecting faucets, plumbing fixtures and drains in the house.