Water Woes: After a disaster, even Corvallis will get thirsty

The Willamette Valley may have plenty of water in normal times, but imagine the scene after a major earthquake: broken water and sewer mains, hazardous chemical spills, polluted streams, wells out of service. It could take weeks, we’re told, for emergency supplies such as bottled water to be delivered.

basement_4Where will we get clean water to drink? What would be the impacts on public health and our area’s economy? How far along are we in mitigating the effects of such a disruption?

The City Club of Corvallis invites you to consider these question and bring your concerns to a panel discussion at the Corvallis-Benton County Library from 7-9 pm on Wednesday, November 29th.

Panelists include Tom Hubbard, Utilities Division Manager of the Corvallis Public Works Department; and Paul Berg, CH2M Consulting Engineer, who recently returned from a deployment to the Caribbean to help restore water systems. Berg will discuss highlights of the Oregon Resiliency Plan as well as methods and equipment for purifying water. Examples of purification equipment will be on hand.

There will be plenty of time for Q&A plus networking and exploring opportunities to promote neighborhood resilience. A packet of handout materials will be available.

There is no need to register for this free City Club event. Attendees are reminded that the library’s underground garage is locked at 8 pm.

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