In June 2013, the Yarnell Hill Fire claimed the life of 19 firefighters and destroyed over 100 homes; it also severely damaged the Yarnell Water Improvement Association’s system with an estimated cost for repair at $1.5 million.  And although the water services were never interrupted, keeping the system running manually was a financial and physical burden to the community.  In an effort to strengthen the ability of the community to develop, fund, and maintain a sustainable water and sanitation system, the Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Prescott-Sunup in District 5490 (Arizona) partnered with the Rotary Club of Weonju in District 3730 (South Korea) and the Alliance Service & Control Specialists in Phoenix to ensure that the town of Yarnell was able to recover from the devastating effects the fire had on their water distribution system.  

 

With a global grant totaling over $89,000 dollars, Rotarians and community experts concluded that replacing part of the existing and damaged system with a SCADA control system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) would mean the best and most sustainable solution.  Contributions to the grant from clubs from Mexico, Germany, Canada, and the Cayman Islands show the extensive support the community of Yarnell received from Rotarians all over the world.  One year after the devastating fire, the Yarnell Water Improvement Association received the Global Grant funds from representatives of the Prescott-Sunup Rotary Club to put the Yarnell water system’s computer back online!