Emergency Water Filtration Units in the Community (Water Pods)

En Español

(NEWBERG, OR) – The City of Newberg Public Works Department has partnered with local organizations to expand Newberg’s emergency resources by installing Emergency Water Filtration Units.

Newberg First Presbyterian Church, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Station 21, Edwards Elementary School, and Northwest Christian Church are the first locations to host grant-funded Emergency Water Filtration Units, delivered this month.

In 2017, the City began assessing its emergency response capabilities. It recognized that its resources, equipment, and personnel were not capable of meeting all the needs of the public during a natural or man-made disaster. In particular, the City’s municipal drinking water system is vulnerable to extended service disruptions during a major emergency, such as an earthquake.    

To address this gap in preparedness, the City began exploring alternatives to provide clean and accessible water during emergencies. They recognized several portable water filtration units placed in strategic locations throughout the city as the solution. Each unit to be placed in accessible locations less than a mile from every resident in town. The City began outreach to partner with local faith-based organizations, schools, parks, golf courses, public safety, and retirement communities willing to volunteer emergency service to all community members.

“With the exception of every home having its own emergency water kit; these Emergency pods placed throughout the community is how we ensure everyone can access safe water during an emergency,” said Karen Tarmichael, Public Works Project Specialist.

In 2019, the City sought and received funding for phase I of the project through a grant from the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. The project experienced supply chain interruptions during the pandemic however Newberg Public Works remained in regular communication with the interested organizations working on insurance, permitting, and training during the delays. On March 4, 2022, the first 5 filtration units were installed by a team from Public Works. 

“Our church is grateful to host a water filtration unit so that we might serve our neighbors and partner with the City of Newberg in this important project of emergency preparedness,” said Newberg First Presbyterian Pastor Chris Murphy.

In the event of a disaster that disrupts Newberg’s water system, partnered organizations are prepared to activate their volunteer groups and open the water filtration units to the public to deliver clean drinking water to residents. Public Works Responders will assist in delivering non-potable water for filtering if needed at each location.  Residents will be able to bring any clean containers to the sites and have them filled with safe drinking water until the City Water system is working. Emergency services are available to all members of the community regardless of demographics, origin, place of residence, or religious affiliation.

The City will continue to work with volunteer organizations to promote emergency preparedness in the community. Funding for phase II is being actively pursued to place an additional 5 units throughout the community.

Residents interested in preparedness are encouraged to visit the Newberg Emergency Management Page for resources and tips.

Alt Text:

Emergency Water Filtration Units

- Portable water filtration units &  replacement filters

Run on power, generator or by gravity

Portable and self-contained the size of a suitcase

- Identified all-natural water sources if the reservoirs and wellfield are inaccessible.

- Means to transport non-potable water for filtering.