California Water Service
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Water utility |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Headquarters | San Jose , United States |
Area served | California |
| Products | Potable water delivery, wastewater management services |
| Parent | California Water Service Group |
California Water Service, commonly known as Cal Water, is a utility company based in California that delivers potable water and wastewater management services to more than 484,900 customers throughout various local districts. Established in 1926 and headquartered in San Jose, California, it functions as a subsidiary under the umbrella of California Water Service Group.
Origins
The inception of Cal Water dates back to 1926 when it acquired five distinct water systems:
- Chico Water Supply Company – October 14, 1926
- Visalia City Water Company – October 15, 1926
- Bakersfield Water Works – October 15, 1926
- Electric Water Company (Bakersfield) – October 15, 1926
- Fresno City Water Company – October 18, 1926
Growth
Following World War II, Cal Water experienced significant expansion, growing its service connections from 105,110 in 1945 to 233,197 customers by 1960. This growth represented an average annual increase of approximately 5.5%, coinciding with California's rapid urban development.
In 1997, the company created its parent holding entity, California Water Service Group, to facilitate broader regional and interstate growth. Soon after this restructuring, Cal Water acquired Dominguez Services Corp. for $53 million, incorporating its subsidiaries Antelope Valley Water Co. and Kern River Valley Water Co. into its operational districts.
Districts
Cal Water manages water services across 23 districts within California:
Water Supplies
The company's districts source water through a combination of surface water diversion, groundwater extraction, and procurement from external suppliers such as the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission's regional system.
In response to the aftermath of the 2018 Camp Fire, Cal Water's Chico District halted plans in 2019 to acquire water from Paradise Irrigation District, discontinuing the project during its evaluation phase.
Treatment Facilities
In 2016, Cal Water's Willows District pioneered the implementation of the first strong-base ion exchange treatment system in the United States aimed at reducing hexavalent chromium levels in its water supply, thereby advancing its water treatment processes.