Sacramento water supply hopes revived after district merger

In California, the Del Paso Manor Water District, operational since 1956, has struggled with significant issues impacting water safety and availability. These problems include rusted and corroded underground pipes, contaminated water wells, and malfunctioning fire hydrants, ultimately affecting the quality of service to approximately 3,000 homes and businesses in the Arden-Arcade area. Local residents have expressed concerns about the reliability of their water supply, fearing sudden failures that could threaten their homes. As a new solution unfolds, the district is being merged with the neighboring Sacramento Suburban Water District, which has expressed strong intentions to implement necessary infrastructure improvements. The planned merger not only consolidates resources but also signals a commitment to enhancing water safety and reliability for residents of the affected areas. Sacramento Suburban Water District's Greg Bundesen emphasized the importance of providing quality and dependable water access to everyone in the region. Efforts that are part of this merger include the replacement of five miles of water mains projected to cost around $19 million. To manage this expense, ratepayer bills saw an increase of 5% in July, with additional hikes anticipated in the following summer, which could further burden residents already concerned about rising costs. Faced with a critical financial need for infrastructure upgrades, the Sacramento Suburban Water District has applied for a $16 million state grant to help alleviate some of these costs. While some residents like Carl Kattenhorn express frustration over the rising bills, others like Vicki Reedy express a sense of hope, remarking on the positive changes already underway—such as the repairs being made to broken fire hydrants and additional services offered to new customers. Furthermore, Sacramento Suburban Water District is initiating programs that include free home visits for leak checks and providing rebates for water conservation measures. The urgency for these actions is underscored by the concerns of residents about the potential for fire emergencies that require reliable water access, which has been a pressing issue given the district’s prior safety failures. This merger, therefore, represents not just a change in management but a pivotal step toward ensuring a more secure and reliable water supply for the community.