SALEM, Ore. – The State Attorney General is warning people of Oregon’s price gouging law as Salem-area residents are faced with a “don’t drink” tap water advisory for young children, pregnant or nursing mothers, pets, and other vulnerable groups.
Many grocery stores quickly sold out of bottled water, and rushed to resupply their shelves after Tuesday’s announcement.
The shortage meant that some residents went to great lengths to find bottled water – be it driving out of the city or paying more for the product.
KATU News has received reports of people selling bottled water for as much as $47 for a pack.
“Our state’s price gouging law protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on food, shelter, bottled water, fuel and other items necessary for the health, safety and welfare of Oregonians,” said Oregon Attorney General Rosenblum.
The AG’s office described price gouging as a dramatic price increase after an “abnormal disruption of the market,” similar to the advisory.
On Thursday, Oregon Governor Kate brown issued a state of emergency to free up state resources and bring clean water stations to the region.
Under state law, retailers are prohibited from increasing prices 15 percent or more above what they charged before a state of emergency.
The Attorney General is asking Oregonians who has information on price gouging to file a complaint online or call their hotline at 1-877-877-9392.
The City of Salem is holding a press conference at 2:30 p.m. to discuss where the free, clean water stations will be set up in the Salem and Stayton areas.