Each year during membership renewal, CalMutuals invites members to share their challenges. This year’s feedback echoed many of the same issues mutual water companies have faced for years.
For 2026, member concerns are largely centered in three areas:
- Aging infrastructure remains the top issue, with many systems needing to repair or replace water tanks and distribution lines, along with upgrades to systems like the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software.
- Members also continue to face increasing state reporting and regulatory requirements, including backflow, cross-connection control, and drought preparedness (Senate Bill 552) compliance.
- The rising costs of regulatory compliance, necessary system improvements, and ongoing inflation are putting added financial pressure on small systems.
CalMutuals remains engaged in tracking and responding to legislation and regulations that impact small systems, ensuring your voice is represented. The Association is also continuing to look for ways to expand our support for members addressing these challenges.
We encourage you to explore the tools available on the CalMutals website, including templates, sample policies, and practical compliance resources tailored specifically for small and mutual water companies.