Agenda - 07/10/12 Eugene City Council and EWEB Joint Meeting

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Executive Summary The Quest for Reliability For more than 100 years, Eugene Water & Electric Board has reliably served the community with cool, clean, clear water drawn from the mountain-fed McKenzie River source. Few community members are aware, however, of the invisible risks. Currently, in summer months there is only a one- or two- source or treatment plant. Eugene is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest lacking a second source of drinking water supply. The single source of supply also limits critical water facilities reservoirs and transmission lines while keeping the water system on-line. To address this concern, EWEB has undertaken a Water Reliability Initiative that includes developing another water has investigated many possible sources over several decades, so far without success. Developing a secondary source of drinking water is challenging. There are very limited local supply options. Viable solutions are expensive and EWEB needs to keep rates affordable for the community. of Directors has made it a priority to finish the job: Rely on us. Communications Plan Reaching decisions on a second source requires a series of technical For 100 years, the McKenzie River has investigations assessing risks and been Eugenesource of drinking vulnerability, and carefully examining water water. It is treated at the Hayden rights, source water quality, treatment Bridge Filtration Plant. technology, storage and conveyance options, and costs. But improving water system reliability will introduce a new water source for the community and requires significant, long-term investments. EWEB customers are certain to be interested in those decisions. Drinking water is the most basic of public services. Every citizen and every business uses water every day, and all EWEB customers have reliability. EWEB i Water Reliability Initiative Communications Plan