California Water Service upgrades infrastructure with new pipelines and proposes rate hike
California Water Service Group, through its subsidiary Washington Water, has announced a significant upgrade to its infrastructure and a proposed water rate increase. The company has enhanced booster pump stations and implemented remote system monitoring to boost reliability and capacity. These improvements, along with others, will be funded by a rate increase that, if approved, could take effect as early as November 15, 2025.
The upgrades include the installation of new water pipelines in several service areas. While the exact locations are not specified, the lengths of the installed pipes are known: 1,000 feet, 700 feet, 2,500 feet, 2,000 feet, another 1,000 feet, and a substantial 7,000-foot pipeline. These improvements aim to enhance water mains in areas such as Minterbrook, Sunshine Acres, Ranch Acres Shores, Cedar Grove, Evergreen Shores, and Southwood.
The proposed water rate increase will also cover higher operating expenses, depreciation, labor costs, PFAS testing, and regulatory compliance efforts. The total requested increase amounts to $14.9 million, intended to recover costs for system improvements and increased expenses over the last two years.
California Water Service Group, a major regulated water utility serving over 2.1 million people in the western United States, has demonstrated its commitment to improving water quality and system reliability. Washington Water has installed treatment facilities to remove lead, copper, arsenic, iron, and manganese, ensuring cleaner and safer water for its customers. The proposed water rate increase, if approved, will help fund these improvements and maintain the high standards of service expected from the company.
