Mutual Water Company Shareholder Group Urges Californians to Oppose “Dangerous” SB 1417
ALTADENA, Calif., May 14, 2026 — A coalition representing shareholders of California mutual water companies has launched a statewide grassroots campaign urging shareholders to oppose SB 1417 (Pérez), legislation they describe as a dangerous threat to the privacy and security of residents who own shares in community water systems. This week, Small Water System Warriors […]
Pasadena Now – Mutual Water Company Trade Group Launches Shareholder Rights Website as State Oversight Bills Advance
The effort targets Altadena, where fire-ravaged water cooperatives face new legislation on transparency and notice requirements Published on Thursday, May 7, 2026 Sixteen months after the Eaton Fire destroyed more than 9,400 structures and gutted the customer base of Altadena’s three mutual water companies, a statewide trade group has launched a website it says will […]
Small Water System Leaders Launch Website for Mutual Water Company Shareholders in Altadena and Fire and Disaster Zones
ALTADENA, Calif., May 7, 2026 — The California Association of Mutual Water Companies’ Disaster Information Task Force has launched a website, SmallWaterSystemWarriors.com, with resources for community residents who are shareholders in mutual water companies. Mutual water companies are community-owned, nonprofit water utility cooperatives that often serve some of the smallest, most rural and lowest-income communities […]
CalMutuals: Top Challenges Facing Mutual Water Companies in 2026
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 […]
Help in Completing Your Required Technical, Managerial, and Financial Assessment
California SB 1188 (August 2023) requires the SWRCB to create minimum technical, managerial, and financial (TMF) standards for small water systems (under 10,000 service connections). Once adopted, systems will have two years to show they meet the standards. The Board will likely start with requirements already used for funding assessments — but starting early helps a […]
Grant Opportunities: WaterSMART Funding Opportunities Now Available – Small Scale Water Efficiency Grants, Applied Science & Drought Response Program
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) announced new WaterSMART funding opportunities to help small water systems improve efficiency, plan for drought, and strengthen operations. Available programs include: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Opportunity #: R25AS00279Funds practical projects like leak repairs, meter upgrades, and water conservation.Deadline: June 2, 2026 Applied Science Grants Opportunity #: R25AS00280Supports tools, data, and studies to improve water management decisions.Deadlines: […]
Legislative & Regulatory Update March 2026
CalMutuals continues to track legislation affecting small water systems and to advocate for the needs and priorities of its members. The bills currently under consideration by state legislators, along with CalMutuals’ positions on each, are outlined below. CalMutuals has a formal SUPPORT position on the following bills: SB1001 (Archuleta). Water utility workers: identification card program.SB 1001 requires the California Office […]
Charter Members Make Participation in DWR Small Supplier Conservation Assistance Program Possible for Bellflower Home Garden Mutual Water Company
Bellflower Home Garden Mutual Water Company is a small mutual water system in Bellflower serving approximately 1,200 residents through 375 unmetered connections. The company purchases 100% of its water from Bellflower Somerset Mutual Water Company and has no active wells, reservoirs, or emergency interconnections. Originally constructed in the 1920s–30s, the system has been largely upgraded […]
Legislative & Regulatory Update February 2026
As wildfires become more frequent and destructive across California, local water systems are facing growing legal and financial pressure, along with misunderstandings about their role during wildfire events. SB 1153 seeks to address these challenges by clarifying the role of water systems during wildfires and protecting customers and shareholders from rising litigation costs. CalMutuals has formally joined […]
Grant Opportunities: Connect to Resources Through Your Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
Funding is a challenge that all mutual water companies share. Even our most diligent efforts to identify and save for needed improvements and emerging compliance demands often fall short of the resources required. In previewing funding available to support small water systems in 2026, CalMutuals noted that funds will be allocated through Proposition 4 to support […]