Advisory Network

Advisory Network Function

Over the past two decades, the MWMC has involved community members in input on the potential for recycled water use in the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area. We have talked with business leaders, community developers, environmental advocates, water resources professionals, and our local government partners on how recycled water would best be adopted as an alternative water resource. From those discussions, we have heard many innovative and potentially mutually-beneficial ideas for recycled water. That is why we are inviting our partners, colleagues, and community leaders to continue to be engaged as members of our Recycled Water Advisory Network.

The Recycled Water Advisory Network concept emerged as a way to ensure and encourage ongoing stakeholder involvement without demanding the time commitments of a standing committee or constraining participation to a select few. The MWMC will facilitate Network communications through web-based information sharing and discussion boards, personal communications, and survey opportunities, as well as occasional in-person gatherings when appropriate.

The advisory network will have no formal governance authority. Rather, as its name suggests, it will serve in an advisory capacity, providing expertise and feedback in a range of areas. Furthermore, as a network, it will facilitate the gathering of ideas and sharing of information, but not require any formal action on behalf of its participants. The advisory network will offer a range of functions, including:

• A sounding board to respond to proposed ideas
• A special interest group that offers thought leadership on recycled water issues
• A think tank to provide expert advice on specific project issues and challenges
• An ambassador program to promote the project and serve as advocates
• A stewardship group with a shared environmental purpose
• A stakeholder group that has a dedicated interest and investment in the recycled water project
• An advisory council to connect community input to the MWMC

Community-Driven Innovations in Water

The MWMC is proud to provide high-quality wastewater services to our community and to be a leader in resource recovery, reuse, and sustainability. We recognize that a successful and valued recycled water program needs to be community-driven. In this regard, the advisory network provides input, guidance, and leadership as a forum to:

• Advance understanding of recycled water in various fields across the community
• Embrace or reject ideas for recycled water use in the community
• Advise the MWMC on concepts for recycled water use
• Champion recycled water use across the community

The Power of Partnerships

We have the water. We have local interest in recycled water use. The missing link is identifying right-sized users and ideal locations that complement the sustainable attributes of recycled water. Through community partnerships, we will best realize the environmental and economic benefits of recycled water use. Such partnerships can open the door to feasibility by identifying mutual objectives, leveraging resources, and attracting investment. The Advisory Network is key to building that success.

Get Engaged

To learn more about the Recycled Water Advisory Network, email Todd Miller, City of Springfield Environmental Services Supervisor, at tmiller@springfield-or.gov.