Green Peter Drawdown & Water Quality Information 2024

As of 11/23/2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has halted the drawdown for this year. Please read our press release for more details. Turbidity will remain elevated for at least a few weeks after this date as Green Peter refills.

The 2024 drawdown of Green Peter Reservoir by the US Army Corps of Engineers has begun in accordance with a federal court order. The first drawdown occurred in fall 2023 and the City had noticeable impacts to water quality coming from the water intake at Foster Dam. Raw water from Foster is processed at our water treatment plant and distributed to City water service customers.

As of 11/21/2024, the City of Sweet Home is observing elevated turbidity (water cloudiness) at Green Peter Reservoir and Foster Reservoir as well as at the intake to our water plant. We anticipate high turbidity throughout the forecasted rain events in the near future, but the City continues to treat the water and ensure the water meets regulated safety standards before water is sent out through our distribution system. You may see some discoloration of your water due to the turbidity, or a change in smell due to necessary changes to our treatment methods. Despite these changes, again, all water is tested for quality and safety before it goes to your home or business. If you are experiencing issues with your water that you think may be of a concern, please contact our Public Works Department at (541) 367-6359.

The City of Sweet Home is aware of and very concerned about the issues caused by the US Army Corps of Engineers' drawdown of the Green Peter Reservoir and is constantly monitoring water quality. The City of Sweet Home has no jurisdiction over the lakes and dams but has taken steps to enhance operations at the City's water treatment plant since 2023 and will continue to monitor water quality regularly throughout the drawdown. The City of Sweet Home also issued an emergency declaration that will allow the City to quickly access emergency supplies should significant issues with our water occur. This emergency declaration does NOT mean that our water is not safe for consumption - it is a proactive measure to show Linn County and other emergency partners that we are ready to act if necessary. The public will be notified immediately if there are any concerns that may impact your ability to use City water.

If you have questions about the drawdown or suggestions for this page, please email WQInfo@sweethomeor.gov. Again, if you are on the City's water system and are experiencing serious issues with your water quality, please contact our Public Works Department directly at (541) 367-6359.

Resources

Here are some informational resources regarding the drawdown. If you have additional questions, please contact WQInfo@sweethomeor.gov. 

• 10/9/2024 US Army Corps of Engineers Public Information Session 1 (video)
• 10/9/2024 US Army Corps of Engineers Public Information Session 2 (video)
• 10/11/2024 US Army Corps of Engineers Public Information Session 3 (video)
• 2024 Oregon Health Authority Drawdown FAQs
• 2024 US Army Corps of Engineers Drawdown Outreach Plan
• 11/20/2023 City of Sweet Home Water Quality Presentation
• 11/20/2023 US Army Corps of Engineers Green Peter Drawdown Presentation
• Willamette Valley Project Injunction Summary
• Turbidity - EPA Fact Sheet

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Water Quality Reporting

The City of Sweet Home performs regular testing of our drinking water to ensure compliance. To request the most recent results, please email WQInfo@sweethomeor.gov.