Beyond the Tap: Water Infrastructure is a Top Priority

August 27, 2024
by Mike Mares, Senior Vice President, Operations

Providing safe, clean, and reliable tap water is our top priority at California Water Service (Cal Water), which is why we put so much pride and effort into continuously maintaining and upgrading our water infrastructure systems.

Over the last decade, Cal Water has invested more in infrastructure upgrades than any other regulated water provider in California, because we know that the impact of our work reaches far beyond our customers’ taps.

Our communities and regions are safer because of our infrastructure investments. A reliable source of water is critical to fire protection and emergency services, and Cal Water maintains 50,000 fire hydrants across our districts to provide firefighters with access to water– with sufficient pressure – when they need it most.

Additionally, a well-maintained network of water mains, treatment equipment, and supply and storage facilities minimizes water system failures and even sinkholes, especially critical during emergencies or natural disasters. That not only serves first responders but also provides emergency facilities, such as hospitals, with necessary access to water.

Just as each of the communities we serve is unique, so are their infrastructure improvement needs. With some communities situated in rural or remote areas and others in the heart of a busy metropolitan area, maintenance priorities can vary. One region might require generators or solar power to reduce dependency on a volatile electric grid while another might require expanded storage capacity or updated wells. At the same time, each district has its own list of maintenance projects and equipment upgrades that occur on an ongoing basis.

The delivery of safe, clean, and reliable water is the result of a thorough process that includes engineering, water quality testing, and a team of water professionals who work in labs, in the field, and on a range of different types of equipment. By far, the bulk of the Cal Water’s investments – almost half of every dollar – goes toward infrastructure improvements, operations, and maintenance.

Maintaining our infrastructure is a commitment that we don’t take lightly. We know that our customers and communities are counting on us. To learn more about our commitment to infrastructure improvements and the benefits to our communities, visit calwater.com/IIP.