MAPLETON, Ore. - The Eugene Water & Electric Board is responding to help the residents of Mapleton, where the Mapleton Water District system has failed - and the community has run out of water.

EWEB is sending a water distribution trailer along with a 500-gallon tank to Mapleton on Wednesday to help them out.

Mobile water distribution trailers are part of the Eugene-based utility's contingency planning for a major earthquake, which would likely damage underground pipes - and drain the system.

Mapleton residents helping neighbors with the crisis said the distribution trailer will be set up at Mapleton Foodshare, 10718 Hwy 126.

Lane County Emergency Management and Lane County Community Organizations Active in Disaster are also working to provide drinking water to residents while the water district seeks repairs on its equipment.

Drinking water will be available for Mapleton Water District customers at 88151 Riverview Avenue in Mapleton from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day "while supplies last," the county said.