Stewardship
Consolidations
Welcoming Smaller Systems: Providing Sustainable Water Service for Placer County
Did you know…? Placer County is home to over 120 publicly and privately owned water systems.At PCWA, we are dedicated to delivering sustainable water service to all Placer County residents. We recognize the challenges faced by smaller water providers, such as meeting regulatory requirements and addressing the costs associated with aging infrastructure. Consequently, consolidation has emerged as a practical solution.
PCWA’s consolidation program has evolved significantly over the years. Historically, PCWA provided support to small, non-PCWA water systems in lower Placer County. As part of its ongoing stewardship efforts, PCWA’s consolidation program continues to expand at the request of small water systems and through its partnership with the State Water Resource Control Board’s Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience program. In addition, PCWA provides support and resources for non-PCWA public water systems in Placer County through its Financial Assistance Program and County-Wide Master Plan.
A 2022 regional study identified the necessity for interconnection and improved water reliability among 19 small water systems that are concentrated along Interstate 80, including some disadvantaged or severely disadvantaged communities and individual customers relying on bottled water. These include nearly 4,300 connections, serving a population of approximately 12,525 people.
Consolidation refers to the process of allowing smaller community water systems to connect to larger, adjacent water systems. PCWA views consolidation as an integral part of its stewardship mission to provide sustainable water service countywide.
Consolidation efforts aim to bring safe, reliable water supplies to underserved communities throughout Placer County.
Benefits extend to all PCWA customers
The benefits of consolidation for the served communities are profound. Residents experience improvements in water quality, financial stability, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance, leading to enhanced overall well-being and quality of life. These benefits are especially significant for underserved areas that have historically faced challenges in accessing safe and reliable water services, often amplified during times of drought when groundwater supplies are depleted, and a secondary water supply doesn’t exist.
Furthermore, consolidation can also benefit existing PCWA customers by providing a larger customer base to share costs and expenses for delivering high-quality reliable water to homes and businesses. Each consolidation process includes a thorough assessment of the smaller system's infrastructure and potential liabilities. If needed, state or federal grants are pursued to repair or upgrade infrastructure, helping to ensure that the burden does not fall on existing PCWA customers.
Improving the reliability and resiliency of smaller water systems through consolidation is in alignment with PCWA's stewardship responsibilities. We are committed to driving positive change and ensuring a brighter water future for Placer County.
In the News
- PCWA Makes Progress Toward Consolidations of Shady Glen’s Water System (March 7, 2024)
- New Water Pipeline Will Bring Treated Water to 48 Homes West of Auburn, Improve Water Delivery and Quality (January 18, 2024)
- Placer County Water Agency Receives State Approval to Acquire Weimar Water Company (September 28, 2023)
- PCWA Board Authorizes Project to Explore Consolidation of Midway Heights County Water District (September 7, 2023)
- Placer County Water Agency Approves Purchase of Weimar Water Company (February 23, 2023)
- Regionalism Plain Aims to Improve Water Reliability in Underserved Areas of Placer County (October 27, 2021)
- Consolidation Improves Water Reliability and Drought Resilience for Placer County Community (September 23, 2021)
- PCWA Approves Consolidation with Dutch Flat Mutual Water Company (May 28, 2020)