In 1923, Bend's source for drinking water, the Deschutes River, was condemned by the state of Oregon as "unfit for human consumption." What were the citizens of Bend to do? Would they filter it or look for a new supply? What would it cost, and who would pay for it? Patrick Griffiths, retired water resources manager for the city of Bend, answers these questions and more as he presents one hundred years of history that evolved into the clean municipal water supply that we cherish today.

Patrick Griffiths is an award-winning water resource administrator and water policy expert with over 22 years of leadership in municipal water rights management, water conservation, and regional water governance. As the former water resources manager for Bend, Oregon, he created the WaterWise program and successfully planned for the water demands of a rapidly growing urban population with critical environmental stewardship. Within the Deschutes River Basin, Griffiths is widely recognized for designing innovative, data-driven public conservation campaigns and orchestrating complex multi-party water management agreements to meet all identified new water needs.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp