Most Californians expect water to flow from their taps without issue, but the delivery of clean and reliable water depends on a network of operators across the state. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is responsible for regulating more than 90 investor-owned water utilities, many of which are small systems serving rural and remote communities.
One such system is Meadow Valley Water Works (MVWW) in Plumas County. Last month, the CPUC’s Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program team from the Water Division conducted a site inspection at MVWW. The visit highlighted not only the infrastructure but also the history and challenges involved in operating a small utility.
MVWW currently serves 14 customers and is one of only two water systems in California still using “miner’s inch” as a measurement—a method dating back to the early 1900s during the Gold Rush Era. This unit measures water flow using wooden boards with fixed openings. Bob Dean, owner and operator of MVWW, took over operations a few years ago and continues to learn while providing service to his neighbors.
The CPUC’s Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program has provided Dean with resources to manage the system, including manual diversion methods for irrigation customers.
Small systems like MVWW play an important role by serving areas where larger utilities or municipalities do not extend service. If these larger entities were required to take on remote customers, it could result in higher rates for existing customers due to increased infrastructure costs. Oversight by organizations like the CPUC helps keep water affordable while ensuring safe and reliable service for all communities.
“By supporting and overseeing small water systems, the CPUC helps keep water affordable for everyone while ensuring these communities still have safe, reliable service,” according to Taseen Shamim, Public Information Officer.
“When we invest in small systems, we invest in resilience, equity, and the well-being of every Californian, no matter where they live,” Shamim said.
For additional information about small water systems in California, more details can be found on CPUC’s Water Division webpage.
