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By Leigh Johnson February 07. 2016 12:01AM Guest Opinion: Water Commission delivers safe, reliable drinking water The Medford Water Commission is paying close attention to the situation that unfolded in Flint, Mich., and our thoughts are with all those who are struggling without access to safe and reliable water in their homes. Maintaining a reliable and excellent quality drinking water supply is any water utility’s ultimate responsibility, and the commission’s primary responsibility to the citizens of Medford. The problem in Flint underscores that our first job is to protect the families we serve. Those of us involved in managing, treating and delivering water share a solemn obligation to protect public health. Aging infrastructure throughout the United States is a serious problem, both healthwise and financially. Unlike other communities, Medford has been able to stay on top of system infrastructure from the start, dating back to the 1930s. Medford Water Commission is unique in that, by city charter, we operate separately from the city, which has allowed us to focus on drinking water only. We do not have first-hand information about what occurred in Flint, but this much seems clear: When Flint switched its water supply source, it did not take needed steps to manage water chemistry. The new water caused lead to leach from service lines and home plumbing — lead that ended up in water coming out of the taps. Lead does not come from the treatment plants and water mains; it can come from sources like lead service lines running between the water main in the street and the home, and from plumbing inside the home. Unlike many older cities back East, lead service lines were not used extensively within Medford’s water system. However, all known lead service lines within our system were replaced more than 30 years ago, and the very rare cases found in the decades since have also been removed. While some communities now face gargantuan costs associated with replacing antiquated infrastructure, Medford Water Commission has a long history of forward-thinking management practices and financial planning that allows our community to enjoy excellent quality drinking water at among the lowest rates in the state and nation. Medford’s water system is funded entirely through water sales, with no support from taxes. It’s through careful planning that the commission has managed to keep water rates very reasonable for both Medford customers and for other cities and districts that purchase wholesale water from the commission. The forward-thinking of past water commissioners laid the groundwork that enabled Medford Water Commission to be able to produce ample supply to serve not only Medford residents but also our wholesale customers — the cities of Central Point, Eagle Point, Jacksonville, Phoenix, Talent and Ashland. These cities have their own costs and set their own water rates, with our water charges making up only a small portion — ranging from 9 to 26 percent — of the water bills paid by residents of these neighboring communities. In addition to being able to supply today’s residents with reliable, clean drinking water, the commission continues to look forward and plan for our future needs. The 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan is a dynamic, evolving plan used to assist the commission in estimating capital requirements, planning, scheduling and implementation of projects throughout the next 10 years. The commission also maintains a series of dedicated funds that act as “savings accounts” to accumulate funds for large capital expenses and future projects. As an example, knowing that infrastructure will eventually need to be replaced, a Future Main Replacement Fund was set up to accumulate funds for major expenditures related to the replacement of mainline distribution systems. As is true for all water utilities, we too face fiscal challenges keeping up with necessary improvements and maintenance projects. But with thoughtful management of our resources and finances, it is the Medford Water Commission’s continuing mission to serve our customers with excellent quality drinking water at affordable rates well into the future. Leigh Johnson is chairman of the Board of Water Commissioners. He has served on the board since 1996.   http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20160207/OPINION/160209776 © 2016 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->