Most residents in California expect water to flow when they turn on the tap, but ensuring clean and reliable water is a complex process involving many operators. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates more than 90 investor-owned water utilities, many of which are small systems serving rural communities.
One such utility is Meadow Valley Water Works (MVWW) in Plumas County. The CPUC’s Water Division Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program team visited MVWW last month for a site inspection. During the visit, they observed not only the infrastructure but also the challenges and history behind operating a small utility.
MVWW currently serves 14 customers and is notable for being one of only two water systems in California that still use “miner’s inch” as a measurement of water flow—a method dating back to the early 1900s. This system involves controlling water flow with wooden boards that have fixed openings, allowing consumption to be estimated through this traditional practice.
Bob Dean, owner and operator of MVWW, took over management of the system a few years ago. Like many small-system operators, he is learning on the job while meeting local needs. Through CPUC’s Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program, Dean has received access to essential resources. He describes his role: “Bob Dean explains how he manually diverts water to irrigation customers using a simple mechanical gate.”
Small systems like MVWW provide vital service to families, neighbors, and local institutions such as schools—especially in areas where larger utilities do not extend service due to remoteness or cost concerns. If larger entities were required to serve these areas, it could result in higher rates for their existing customers due to new infrastructure costs.
The CPUC’s support for small systems helps maintain affordable water service across the state while ensuring safety and reliability even in remote communities.
For further information about small water systems in California, readers can visit the CPUC’s Water Division webpage at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/water.
“Taseen Shamim, Public Information Officer,” wrote: “When we invest in small systems, we invest in resilience, equity, and the well-being of every Californian, no matter where they live.”
