Bethel Island Consolidation Opportunity
Diablo Water District, along with Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), invited neighboring small water systems to join the conversation on consolidation on
November 10, 2021. This introductory dialogue was a discussion of state-funding and voluntary consolidation opportunities for stakeholders of Bethel Island and Sandmound Areas.
Approximately 20 small water systems were invited and eight small water systems were represented in this initial conversation. The District voiced that we are available and ready to deliver reliable drinking water to any interested water system. We understand it can be difficult for individual mutuals to push a consolidation on their own, but with the assistance of the District and RCAC, this current effort would provide technical and potential state-funding assistance for this project. Some of the key points discussed were:
- Feasibility study process.
- Leveraging as much state-funding as possible.
- Consolidation is completely voluntary.
- No commitment at this time needed from these water systems in order to move forward with the planning process.
It is imperative to the District, and RCAC, that these water system’s concerns and questions are addressed throughout the process. The District plans to host a follow-up call for additional interest and information.