About ORWARN
Oregon Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (ORWARN) is participating in a national effort by water and wastewater utilities to establish intrastate mutual aid and assistance networks. The objective is to provide rapid, short term deployment of emergency services to restore critical operations to utilities that have sustained damages from natural or man-made events.
Emergencies transcend political jurisdictional boundaries so intergovernmental coordination is essential in preserving lives and property while facilitating the efficient use of available assets. A Mutual Aid Agreement signed by participating members promotes:
- Increased planning and coordination
- Enhanced access to specialized and vital resources
- Expedited arrival of aid
- Reduced administrative conflict
- Increased hope due to emphasis on restoration of utility services
Members (signers of the Mutual Aid Agreement) of public or private water and wastewater utilities establish a steering committee comprised of volunteers from member utilities within the state. A chair is elected by the committee to act as administrator for ORWARN. The steering committee organizes an annual meeting for signatory utilities to address concerns and procedures related to mutual assistance and emergency preparedness.
ORWARN is organized along the county lines as shown on the map below:
Funding
There is no cost to join ORWARN, it is supported by volunteers from members across the state including:
Participation
The ORWARN Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement is available to all public and private water and wastewater utilities in Oregon.