It’s always easier to complain than to get involved and help find solutions. The latest local example is the lack of applicants for the city of Bend’s water treatment advisory board.

The city has taken plenty of heat for the supposed errors of its ways in designing the Surface Water Improvement Project, better known as SWIP or the Bridge Creek water project. One of the few areas of agreement is that the city should have engaged the public earlier and more fully.

But it’s tough to engage a public that’s not willing to be engaged.

While the first major part of the project — pipe replacement — is mired in legal and regulatory challenges, the city is trying to get at least a few members of the public engaged in a subsequent part: how to satisfy federal regulations regarding cryptosporidium, a microorganism that can cause serious illness or death.

The city wants a water treatment advisory board to explore possible methods to satisfy federal regulations and make a recommendation to the City Council. Deadline to apply, already extended, is now May 17. As of midweek, six had applied, while the city hopes for seven to nine members.

The city has considered two approaches. The more expensive filtration method would cost as much as $30 million. Using ultraviolet light would be cheaper — about $15 million — but lacks important long-term benefits that filtration would provide. The city wants the advisory board to take a fresh look, and possibly suggest other approaches.

The city is asking for “individuals with experience in finance or engineering, ratepayers, large water users, and business owners.” Applicants are asked to include a cover letter detailing how their background and expertise would serve this particular project. Although that limits the pool of potential board members, Bend has plenty of citizens well-qualified for this duty.

The pay is zero and the meetings will focus on technical subjects, but it’s only a one-year commitment. A perfect opportunity to make a difference.