ACWD Board of Directors Applauds State Senate

Fremont, Calif. — With nearly a million Californians in disadvantaged communities lacking access to safe drinking water, the Alameda County Water District’s Board of Directors praises the State Senate for its plan to allocate $150 million annually from the General Fund for safe drinking water solutions. With other funding alternatives still proposed, including a tax on water bills, ACWD encourages the Assembly and Governor to support the Senate’s plan.

In a state with a thriving economy and budget surplus it is unacceptable that some areas of the state are challenged with a clean water crisis. The ACWD Board sees the urgency in implementing a plan that will provide ongoing funding for necessary maintenance and operations of water delivery systems in communities that lack resources to provide clean drinking water.

“It’s unimaginable that in 2019 there are communities that lack safe drinking water,” said ACWD Board President James Gunther. “I am thrilled there’s a plan to help those who need it most.” He added that the Senate’s plan is an excellent example of a statewide initiative that benefits California as a whole.

The Senate’s proposed plan would fund the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water program with the State’s General Fund appropriations and not require any new fees or taxes.

The ACWD Board has opposed both current and previous water tax proposals that would apply a tax to water utility customers resulting in higher water bills.

“We want clean water for all,” said Gunther. “The Senate’s plan can achieve that without taxing ACWD customers who have made local investments.”