Quality, reliable water service is among the most important parts of a community”s infrastructure. Golden State Water Company, one of Clearlake”s water providers, takes that responsibility seriously. We believe that providing the best possible water means maintaining the system just as residents maintain their homes, automobiles and their health. The company is forward-thinking and conducts ongoing preventive maintenance to keep water lines and service running smoothly.
Just as we work to provide the best possible service, Golden State also tries just as hard to maintain reasonable rates. Residents and businesses operate on budgets, and Golden State also works to keep costs low. Recently, we applied for a rate increase to cover increased electricity costs and to make infrastructure investments. We now are in the process of providing information to let residents know exactly what improvements will be made with the funds and how these enhancements protect your quality of life.
Water systems are complex. Over time, equipment needs to be updated and, in some cases, replaced. Accordingly, Golden State is planning several necessary enhancements. These include the installation of new strainers at the intake location and filters at our treatment plant to improve water quality. Installing new strainers will most effectively clean algae and other pollutants in the earliest phase of treatment, eliminating more expensive treatment options. Additionally, new filters at the treatment facility help purify water to the highest possible levels.
Golden State is also planning other safety improvements, including the replacement of old water mains on Sunset and Marin Avenues and Lakeshore Drive. Ultimately, Golden State is proposing to invest almost $1.3 million to improve the quality and reliability of Clearlake water service. For the average residential customer, this investment and corresponding security will result in monthly increases of only ten dollars by 2010. It”s a small investment to protect such an important resource.
However, Golden State also recognizes the fact that rate increases of any kind can pose a challenge. That is why the company is requesting a discounted rate program for low income customers and seniors on fixed incomes. Recently, Golden State applied to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for permission to implement the California Alternate Rates for Water (CAWR) program. If approved, we will be allowed to offer a discount credit, which for qualified participants would equal approximately 15% of the average monthly bill.
It is important to note that Golden State must justify the need for any proposed increase. The company takes pride in being accountable to the communities in which we serve. The Office of Ratepayer Advocates at the CPUC is a consumer watchdog that thoroughly examines the necessity and costs associated with Golden State”s rate proposal. Our plan will be scrutinized to make sure all costs are reasonable and the resulting quality is high. At every step of the process, the public has an opportunity to ask questions and communicate concerns, and we value your feedback. We will take every comment and work diligently to address each concern.
From a consumer view, water service is viewed from two perspectives the tap and the bill. However, what isn”t always acknowledged is the elaborate and complex systems that are required to purify and deliver water as well as the costs to pump it, and the personnel and expertise required to operate the overall systems and maintain a 24 7 365 customer service center.
Golden State believes that it is imperative that the company plan ahead to deliver a consistently high level of service for our residential and business customers. For years, Golden State Water Company has been a part of the Clearlake community. We view the investment we make in the systems as an investment in the community”s future. We will never waver in our commitment to ensuring that Clearlake has a first class water supply for families and businesses alike.
Keith Ahart
Golden State Water Company
Superintendent
