California American Provides Help to Others

While water service continues to be a tremendous value compared to other utilities — less than a penny a gallon for most in Northern California — some families and fixed-income seniors may struggle to keep up with even modest increases, particularly in this challenging economy. California American Water is reaching out to its customers this month to remind them they can help those who struggle by participating in the company’s assistance program for low-income households.

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Water Security Metrics Reporting Process Now Open: Please Participate

The voluntary reporting process for the 2009 water sector-specific security measures is now open. This critical reporting tool, available via the WaterISAC public Web site, helps track and communicate drinking water and wastewater utility progress in the areas of security, preparedness and resilience. All utilities are highly encouraged to participate in this completely anonymous process.

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Make Plans Now to Attend the 5th National Drinking Water Symposium

The 5th National Dinking Water Symposium will be held Oct. 11–14, 2009, at The Swan in Orlando, Fla.

The Symposium’s theme is “Assuring Drinking Water Sustainability in a Time of Economic and Infrastructure Challenges and Change” and is presented in cooperation with the National Association of Water Companies, the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators.

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SouthWest Water Awarded 10-Year Contract Renewal in Texas

SouthWest Water Company announced a 10-year contract renewal with its long-term client Horizon Regional Municipal Utility District (HRMUD) in Horizon City, Texas. Under the new contract, SouthWest Water will continue to operate and maintain HRMUD’s water and wastewater systems and manage its meter reading, billing and collections.

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Connecticut Water Acquires Distressed System

On Sept. 14, 2009, Connecticut Water Company announced the acquisition of the Legend Hill water system of Madison, Conn. The acquisition is noteworthy because Legend Hill had detected excessive uranium levels in its system and at wells serving nearby elementary and middle schools. Connecticut Water bought the Legend Hill system for $1, installed a treatment process to address the uranium issue and then connected the schools to the new treated water supply. It reportedly would have cost an estimated $5 million to extend a water main from Connecticut Water’s nearest system to the schools.

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