Bend names water treatment advisory panel

Ten community members with experience in finance, water quality, engineering, permitting, and water infrastructure management were appointed by Bend City Council to consider options for treating Bridge Creek drinking water.

Bend is required to comply with state and federal requirements to treat drinking water from Bend’s Bridge Creek water source for cryptosporidium, a microbe that can make people sick. Several treatment options could be used to meet the drinking water treatment rules.

Bend City Manager Eric King says the advisory group’s task is to weigh the risks and costs associated with the various treatment options for Bend’s primary supply of drinking water. “We are thrilled to have such broad expertise and water knowledge on the committee,” says King.

Advisory group members include:

Ray Auerbach, retired district manager, Paradise Irrigation District Eric Bercot, chemist, Suterra, LLC Mark Buckley, economist Tim Casey, president, Bend Chamber of Commerce Reagan Desmond, attorney Roger Dressler, technology strategy consulting Robert Eimstad, P.E., senior vice president, Carollo Engineers Craig Horrell, utilities manager, Deschutes Brewery Casey Roats, vice president, Roats Water System Cindy Tisher, paralegal

The advisory group’s first meeting is scheduled to take place in early July, with a recommendation due to City Council this fall. To learn more visit bendoregon.gov/surfacewater.