Document text
Valley's water sources secure By JILL BRISKEY During World War II, a guard dog was posted at Big Butte Springs to protect the Rogue Valley's drinking water. The stone dog house still stands near the first intake pump. As the Korean War waged, city employees once again beefed up security measures and added lighting to protect Medford's water supply. If the face of America's war against terrorism, no one is taking chances on the deliberate contamination of drinking water - no matter how remote the possibility may seem in the Rogue Valley. Following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the East Coast, the FBI issued warnings to suppliers of drinking water across the United States, asking agencies to use caution and be on the alert for potential sabotage. The warning was issued as a precaution and not in response to a specific threat. Ashland Public Works Director Paula Brown said the threat of deliberate chemical contamination at Reeder Reservoir is almost nil because of its remote location in a rural canyon. Brown said Ashland has stepped up precautions anyway. Park patrol officers inspect the Ashland watershed area daily, on foot and in vehicles. The watershed area is closed to outside vehicle traffic, and hikers are not allowed near the reservoir itself, Brown said. "We do it regardless, especially in the summer because of the fire danger," Brown said. Ashland is now drawing 100 percent of its water from Reeder Reservoir. Reeder water was supplemented by 1.4 million gallons of Talent Irrigation District water daily over the summer, but that ended this month. Medford's water system also delivers water to Central Point, Jacksonville, Eagle Point, White City and Phoenix. Talent will come online soon. In the summer months the water is a mix of spring and Rogue River water, but the spring supplies all of the cities' winter water needs. Medford water quality superintendent Robert Noelle said water works crews have been operating under a "heightened awareness." "We're more aware and we've taken other measures to increase our security," Noelle said. "We're exercising due diligence in making reasonable protection to our facilities." Medford's main water source is underground in a remote location. Big Butte Springs operation supervisor Buck Rowden has maintained the facility for 40 years and lives there. "Everything is under lock and key," Rowden said. "The building is extremely secure." Rowden said he conducts patrols and inspects the equipment and security systems daily - security precautions that were in place before the terrorist attacks. "We've always maintained a reasonable level of security at our facilities," Noelle added. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.