The catastrophic failure of a water treatment plant in Marlin, Texas led to the unthinkable once again. No water! Absolutely not a drop to drink for this community of 5,460. No water for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning.
Governor Greg Abbott issued a state of disaster declaration because the water outage poses an imminent threat to public health and safety. Marlin ISD has been closed since last week. Businesses relying on water were ordered closed.
Even though state resources are being directed to Marlin, the Rotary Club of Temple stepped forward to help ease the immediate pain. Through the leadership of District 5870 Assistant Governor Rod Henry, the Club coordinated the donation of 10 pallets (540 cases) of water from Niagara Water, Temple. The issue, how to transport to Marlin.
“Relationships are golden” noted Henry. He called upon business leaders he worked with while President/CEO of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. Knowing full well that the week before Mother’s Day was one of the busiest for Performance Food Group, Henry contacted their President for help. “It did not take long to get the nod of approval which set the process in motion.”
Henry communicated with the President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Marlin, Chip Parmer, to discuss needs they have and noted water was but one of several items. “I reached out to our Club President, Paul Carr, and got the nod to purchase 1,000 disposable plates, cups and cutlery. Sam’s Club matched the donation”. The supplies were delivered to the First Baptist Church of Marlin, the focal point for disaster services.
Coordination of the delivery of water occurred on Wednesday, the 8th day of the crisis. “Several told me this morning that they started to have a small stream of water but noted it was brown, and they didn’t expect it to last long” Henry said.
The State of Texas is expediting the placement of two portable water filtration systems to help alleviate the immediate need. This is but a temporary fix. “There is a light at the end of the long and dark tunnel, but temporary repairs could have water flowing again later this week.” Unfortunately, the risk of this occurring again remains high until a permanent solution is found.
This is Rotary!