State approves acquisition of failing California water company to improve quality problems

Currently, the Mesa del Sol system is listed as a failing water system by the California State Water Resources Control Board's SAFER programPhoto byFran JacquieronUnsplash

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved California American Water’s acquisition of the Mesa del Sol water system in Monterey County's Corral de Tierra area. The acquisition will add 15 new water connections to California American Water’s existing customer base of around 40,000 in the Monterey Peninsula and other parts of the county.

Evan Jacobs, Director of Business Development for California American Water, stated that the consolidation "will solve long-running water quality issues" for the Mesa del Sol neighborhood, bringing safe and reliable water service. The acquisition is expected to be finalized in early 2025 following system improvements and interconnection construction.

Currently, the Mesa del Sol system is listed as a failing water system by the California State Water Resources Control Board's SAFER program, which aims to provide all Californians with access to safe drinking water.