Most people know us as providing drinking water and taking away sewage, but we are the backbone of fire protection, ... We've spent close to $3 million in improvements largely to improve fire protection.

Water quality standards go up every two years, ... More than anything, fresh water is the key.

The water was up, there was nothing to do, all nine or 10 of us in there, just wanting [drinking] water. We had a small supply, but we knew it wouldn't last. So when the water went down enough to walk, I waded out to look for supplies.

The thing is, these people being housed in shelters are getting food and drinking water, and they don't have the room to acquire a lot of possessions. They will need the basic personal care items such as diapers and infant formula, but their basic needs are being provided by the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. That takes money: There's no way around it. A 16-ounce can of food won't feed very many people in a shelter, but a truckload of No. 10 cans will.

Many people who switch from drinking coffee or soda to drinking water say they feel better.

It's like drinking from a fire hose.