The city of Ashland, Oregon has been facing problems with drought every summer for over a decade. This increase creates vulnerability towards wildfires that have been raging across the west coast consistently each summer. In September of 2020 one of these fires, known as the Almeda Fire, left devastating effects on the entire Rogue Valley. Multiple fire hydrants along the path Almeda took did not have enough water to function, prolonging the spread of the fire. 

With summer upon us, now more than ever we need to consider ways to conserve water to prevent any events like 2020’s Almeda Fire from reoccurring. That is why Ashland’s Mayoral Youth Advisory Council is working on bringing recycled water systems into Ashland. Through dedicated research, a plan has been formed to introduce recycled water including what is referred to as a “Gray Water System” to Ashland’s public facilities. 

Gray Water Systems work by reusing water that has not been exposed to direct waste products, such as water used in sinks and clothes washing, and apply it to appropriate uses (common examples are toilet water and garden irrigation.) This results in less drinkable water being used for chores such as watering lawns, conserving more water overall.

We aim to set a precedent for Ashland water conservancy and establish recycled water use throughout the city. Eventually, our goal is to have recycled water utilized by all Ashland public park lawns, as well as Ashland School Systems.

To accomplish this we will be asking Ashland School District to take the following action steps. First we want ASD to investigate funding sources for recycled water systems, second we ask they approve the funding for such a system throughout the district, and third that they take measures to implement recycled water with care for its upkeep set in a timely manner. 

Please sign and spread this petition, showing not only your support for the potential recycled water systems, but also proving that this community values and understands the importance of water conservation. Together we can make sure Ashland has the water it needs!