Keizer Drinking Water

Join us in learning about the story of Keizer's water utility.

Keizer water tower with cloudy sky in background

Where does our drinking water come from?

The source of Keizer's drinking water is the Troutdale Aquifer that is pumped from the ground to residents and businesses from 15 city wells that are 100-450 feet in depth and is distributed through approximately 127 miles of pipe.

Map: Shows extent of Troutdale Aquifer (also known as the Willamette Lowland Basin-fill Aquifers) in comparison to Marion County and the Keizer area.

diagram showing how water goes from groundwater to pump station and is directed to either a residence, reservoir, or water tower through water pipelines. Shows layers of soil well needs to go through. From top down: brown topsoil, tan sand and gravel, umber clay, grey sand gravel and basalt.

Image of how Keizer's water reaches your tap.

 Aquifer  - A body of porous rock or sediment saturated with groundwater.

Groundwater- water that flows or seeps downward and saturates soil or rock, supplying  springs  and  wells .

Water cycle image including water table and groundwater flow.

Well to Tap: How water gets to you.

Keizer's Water System

A complex system of pipes and valves insures that water gets to you safely and efficiently from the city's groundwater wells. Keizer water personnel do their part to keep this system running.

Pump Stations: Keizer has 15 pump stations which are inspected weekly by water personnel. Water crews also maintain and operate 3 reservoirs for water storage.

Pipelines: Approximately 127 miles of water mainline pipe provide water from the wells to your home water service line and meter for consumption.

Valves: Approximately 2,000 water valves help to direct water to our residents and businesses.

Hydrants: Approximately 961 hydrants are available for use by emergency services in Keizer.

Blow-offs: 150 blow offs allow the water department to service waterlines. This service aids in removal of natural minerals that can accumulate over time.

Meters: Keizer has approximately 11,000 water meters that connect water service to consumers.

informatics displaying in black and white the number of water department infrastructure assets there are. This supports what is in text form on the slide side.

How much water does Keizer use?

Keizer residents and businesses use on average 1.5-3 million gallons a day in winter and 6.5-8 million gallons a day in summer.

A single family household in Keizer uses an average of 150 gallons of water per day.

What does a million gallons of water look like?

  • A million gallon pool would be 267 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 10 feet deep.
  • A cube that is 51.1 feet on each side.

Keizer Utility Service Fees

  • City services billing statement is distributed on a two month period and it includes: water, sewer, stormwater, police, and parks fees.
  • A unit of water is 748 gallons. Typical Keizer single family households use 150 gallons of water per day.
  • The average household uses 12 units of water per 2 month billing period and is charged $1.77 per unit = the average water fee per household @ $21.30

diagram showing in blue and yellow colors how much 1 million gallons looks like. A million gallon pool would be 267 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 10 feet deep. A cube that is 51.1 feet on each side.

Inspections & Monitoring

Flushing:

Annual flushing of the water system removes sediments from the pipelines to insure proper water flow and quality. This operation takes place in the spring during overnight hours to minimize impact on residents and their water supply.

Repairs:

Repairs are performed to existing lines as needed, as water pipes age out, when updates to the system are required, following vehicle accidents or other emergencies.

Keizer Water Staff repairing a water line.

Keizer Water Staff repairing a hydrant following a vehicle accident.

Keizer Water Staff digging a water line for repairs.

Hydrants:

Hydrants are inspected yearly to maintain operability. Hydrants are used for fire suppression/protection. Public Works Water Crews maintain the area around the hydrants by removing brush and other impeding items.

Hydrant is covered which can cause access issues.

The hydrant is set too low with surrounding landscape and could cause difficulty in access.

Pump Stations:

Pump stations and the water they draw from our wells are inspected daily for operational fitness.

Pump station daily inspection checklist:

  1. Observe 24 hour water production to calculate proper fluoride levels.
  2. Monitor reservoirs and their respective levels.
  3. Observe and monitor the water system: well depth, well flow and well levels.

One example of the well monitors Water Crew observes daily.

811 Call before you dig

The City of Keizer prides itself on safety on the job. Part of that safety is locating what is in the ground before we do any work. We utilize 811 for our utility locates and so can you!

If your simple home improvement project involves digging, you must contact your state’s 811 center a few days before breaking ground. If you’ve hired a professional to do work on your property that includes digging, make sure that they have called 811 or made their request online before beginning work.

What's Locating?

811 Oregon Color Code

Water Utility History & Laws

1957

Keizer Water District was created by consolidating a collection of private wells to supply local residences with drinking water. It was in 1957 that the first 40 miles of water pipe were installed.

1966-1980

Keizer Water District entered into an arrangement with City of Salem to suspend the use of wells and obtain water from Salem by connecting their system to Keizer's. Three wells were maintained as a contingency plan in the event that water could not be obtained from Salem.

1972

 The Clean Water Act  (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters.

Under the CWA, EPA has implemented pollution control programs such as setting wastewater standards for industry. EPA has also developed national water quality criteria recommendations for pollutants in surface waters.

1974

 The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)  was originally passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply. The law was amended in 1986 and 1996 and requires many actions to protect drinking water and its sources—rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and ground water wells. SDWA authorizes the US EPA to set national health-based standards for drinking water to protect against both naturally-occurring and man-made contaminants that may be found in drinking water.

1980

Keizer Water District returned to wells as the primary water supply. Keeping the connection with Salem for peak use periods. More wells were drilled and more pipes installed.

1982

The City of Keizer was incorporated in 1982. The Keizer Water District continued to serve the City and its residences as an independent utility. Citizens voted to add fluoride to Keizer's water supply. The first telemetry system was implemented.

1983

The Wilark Park Water District (a private water company) was purchased and its assets assumed by Keizer Water District. This merger added more wells and pipelines to the system. Keizer now had a total of 13 wells supplying water.

1985

City of Keizer absorbed the Keizer Water District and all its assets as the new water division and utility.

1992-2012

New wells, pump stations, pipeline, and reservoirs where added to the system. The telemetry system was also updated to a digital control system. An emergency exchange program was also established between City of Keizer and City of Salem to allow for Salem to purchase water from Keizer in case of emergency.

Today

City of Keizer manages 15 pump stations and 3 reservoirs. Keizer follows the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act, and all regulations from the Oregon Heath Authority. The water division continues to install and update the water utility infrastructure as the city grows and evolves.

Tech in Water: Telemetry & GIS

01 / 06

Telemetry:

The water system is controlled by a computerized telemetry system which continually monitors the water pressure and activates or deactivates individual wells to maintain a system water pressure of 60-74 pounds per square inch. Keizer has three water reservoirs storing approximately 2.75 million gallons of water.

How the telemeter connects to the wells

GIS:

The City of Keizer uses Geographic Information System (GIS) to help manage water infrastructure. GIS helps to communicate where we need to repair, improve and communicate current and future water needs.

A geographic information system (GIS) is a system that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. GIS helps users understand patterns, relationships, and geographic context.

Technology in the Field:

  • Using GIS via tablets, staff can monitor work done on current assets and input new assets.
  • GIS assists in recording and monitoring annual inspections.
  • GIS assists in tracking repairs and replacements in our water system.

Photo: Field worker collecting valve location using tablet and satellite receiver to communicate with GIS.

Meters:

Photo: Field worker inspecting a meter valve connection.

Keizer has approximately 11,000 meters. Each meter (asset) has its own individual set of attributes (information about an asset) that helps us to better maintain and operate each meter.

Chalmers Jones Park water meter and its attributes.

An example of a water meter in Keizer.

Technology in the Office:

All the work performed in the field goes through a series of Quality Control/ Quality Assurance (QA/QC) to make sure it is accurate. The work done in the office feeds back into the work done in the field in a continuous loop to ensure our workers have precise information to serve our community.

Every asset has its own attributes from meters to wells all need to be tracked and maintained. It may be difficult to see from ground level just how much work goes into the water systems but from a birds eye view you can see the volume and complexity.

Swipe back and forth to see all the hydrants and water mainlines Keizer Water Division maintains and monitors with GIS.

Technology for the Public:

GIS is used to make public facing applications such as the Service Area Application. You can explore it here in the window to the left.

These applications are made with the intention to assist Keizer residents in learning more about their utility resources and providers: natural gas, water, electricity, and garbage haulers.

The  Service Area Application  can help you find what utility service area and neighborhood association you are served by with a simple click of the map.

Water Utility FAQ

Swipe right to see answers to some of the frequently asked questions about Keizer water. These FAQ's can also be found in the  Annual Drinking Water Report . Scroll down to continue with the story.

01 / 08

What is that yellow, black, or blue staining I get in my dishwasher, toilet, sinks, and laundry?

A Keizer gets its water from deep wells. Well water has natural minerals which can cause staining. The yellow or orange color stain is mostly caused by iron whereas the blue or black stains are caused by manganese. These minerals are common in ground water.

How do I get rid of these stains?

In the dishwasher, we suggest running a cycle with a citrus base package of drink mix or a tablet form of detergent. Sometimes a second cycle is necessary but this should clear up the problem. In laundry, we suggest you minimize or eliminate the use of bleach. Bleach draws out the iron and suspends it in the water, making the staining worse. There are products on the market that are made for hard water stains.

My water has this odor that smells like rotten eggs, or sulfur. What causes the smell and is it safe to drink?

We have found that the majority of our odor complaints are due to various supply tubes that are located under sinks, behind toilets, and behind refrigerators. This line is typically clear and braided, opaque, or has stainless webbing. These supply pipes are being used in most new homes and remodels today. The minerals in our water seem to react with these types of pipes. When water sits unused for a period of time in these pipes, a sulfuric odor may present itself. After running water, the odor goes away. Replacing the braided type hose with copper or chrome piping usually solves most odor problems. The water is still safe to drink even if there is an odor. If you have an odor in your hot water supply, you may want to replace the standard magnesium or aluminum anode rod with an aluminum/zinc alloy anode in your hot water heater. It is also recommended that you flush your hot water heater annually.

Fluoride in my water?

Fluoride is added to your water at a rate of .70 parts per million which is the recommended level set by the American Dental Association and the  Oregon Health Authority . An Iron/Manganese sequestrate is also added to the water to reduce staining. Hardness of the water is 107 parts per million or approximately 6 grains per gallon.

I have a well and I want to hook up to City water but I still want to use my well for irrigation, do I have to abandon my well? What are my options?

The answer is no, you do not need to abandon your well. When you hook up to City water you must separate the well completely from your home drinking water line. You also must install a Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA) on your new water line going to the house. Make sure to read about thermal expansion when installing any device on a service line. There are installation instructions available at City Hall.

What is thermal expansion?

Water heaters are installed with a temperature and pressure T&P valve, which is designed to relieve excessive water temperature or pressure. Also aiding in the control of excessive heat and pressure is a condition known as thermal expansion, which allows extremely hot water to backflow into water main lines, mixing with the cold water and dissipating the heat. However, when a backflow prevention assembly is installed on a household water service line, the water cannot go back out into the water system. This leaves the T&P valve as the only release route for the overheated water. If a water heater thermostat becomes defective, allowing the water temperature to increase to more than 212 degrees F., and the T&P valve fails, your domestic water can become “superheated”. Superheated water can cause water heaters to explode or can allow scalding steam to be released from faucets upon use. We recommend that you inspect your T&P valve periodically. Also, a licensed plumber can inspect, repair or replace your T&P valve to ensure your safety.

How do I shut off my water if I need to?

If you have an updated meter you should have a handle on your side of the meter. A quarter turn of this handle clockwise will shut off your water.

I got this letter in the mail that says something about having my backflow device tested and I have no idea what that is. What is it and why do I have to test it every year?

The backflow device is to prevent contamination of our drinking water. The state mandates that they are tested once a year as does our city ordinance. Typically they are installed for a sprinkler system. The device protects both the city water system and your domestic line.

Is there anything I need to know when installing or retrofitting my irrigation system?

Yes. You must provide some sort of backflow protection on your sprinkler system. The three most common preventers are a double check valve assembly (DCVA), a pressure vacuum breaker assembly (PVBA), and an atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB). The DCVA and PVBA must be tested by a state certified backflow tester within 30 days of installation and annually thereafter with a copy of the report mailed to the City. The AVB is a non-testable device that must be freeze protected. You need to take out a permit with Marion County to install your sprinkler system. You may pick up a permit along with installation procedures at City Hall in the Community Development Department or at the Marion County office.

You're Invited to Get Involved

Engage!

Conserve!

Water Connects us All.

It is our shared responsibility to steward our natural resources. Water is life; we understand the importance of engaging, conserving, and protecting this resource for our community and for the future.

Story map created by the City of Keizer Environmental and Technical Division. Thank you to S. Ranseen (GIS Program) and J. Ammon (Educational and Outreach Program). Gratitude to the Keizer Water Crew.

All images are provided by the City of Keizer or are copy right free to use.

Image of how Keizer's water reaches your tap.

Water cycle image including water table and groundwater flow.

Keizer Water Staff repairing a water line.

Keizer Water Staff repairing a hydrant following a vehicle accident.

Keizer Water Staff digging a water line for repairs.

Hydrant is covered which can cause access issues.

The hydrant is set too low with surrounding landscape and could cause difficulty in access.

One example of the well monitors Water Crew observes daily.

811 Oregon Color Code

How the telemeter connects to the wells

Chalmers Jones Park water meter and its attributes.

An example of a water meter in Keizer.