California Water Service Group Enhances Quality of Life in West Goshen with Water System Consolidation

California Water Service (Cal Water) has announced the successful completion of a significant project aimed at improving access to safe and clean drinking water for the residents of West Goshen. This initiative involved the consolidation of Cal Water’s water system with the homes of 44 families who were previously dependent on failing private wells. The project is a direct response to the community’s pressing need for reliable water sources, addressing both quality and accessibility issues.

The consolidation project was made possible through a combination of advocacy from community residents and financial support from the County of Tulare. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) played a crucial role in this effort, providing funding through its Small Community Drought Relief Program. In 2022, the Community Water Center (CWC) assisted Tulare County in securing a grant amounting to $3.45 million, which facilitated the extension of Cal Water's services to the affected households.

The families in West Goshen had been struggling with private groundwater wells that either ran dry or contained harmful contaminants, rendering them unsafe for consumption. This consolidation not only provides these households with access to clean and reliable drinking water but also aligns with California's water quality standards.

Cal Water previously connected approximately 80 customers from the West Goshen Mutual Water Company to its Visalia system back in 2014, demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing water service in the region.

Marty Kropelnicki, Chairman and CEO of Cal Water, expressed the company’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of location, have access to safe drinking water. He stated, “We believe that everyone should have access to safe, clean, and reliable water, regardless of where you live. We are pleased to have joined forces with Tulare County, Community Water Center, and the Department of Water Resources to make that a reality for West Goshen residents with a goal of improving their quality of life.”

Supervisor Eddie Valero, representing Tulare County’s Fourth District, echoed these sentiments, noting, “This project marks a transformative moment for the community. After years of advocacy and collaboration, we’re proud to see clean, reliable water finally flowing into homes. This is what progress looks like: neighbors coming together with public and private sectors, working side-by-side for a healthier and more secure future for everyone.”

California Water Service is dedicated to providing high-quality and reliable utility services to over 2.1 million people across California through approximately 499,400 service connections. The company is committed to enhancing community well-being and sustainability by investing responsibly in water and wastewater infrastructure. With a workforce of 1,200 employees, Cal Water promotes a culture of integrity, environmental stewardship, and community care.

Recognized as one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” and one of the “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” by *Newsweek*, Cal Water continues to strive for excellence in service and community engagement.

The completion of the West Goshen water system consolidation project is a significant milestone for the community, showcasing the power of collaboration among local governments, community organizations, and utility providers. As Cal Water continues to enhance its services, it reaffirms its mission to improve the quality of life for residents and ensure that safe, clean water is accessible to all.