California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
The California Public Utilities Commission has announced that Meadowbrook Water Company (MWC) in Merced County will be acquired by California American Water (CAW). The Meadowbrook system was purchased for $4 million and will add some 1,650 new service connections to CAW’s customer base in its Sacramento district.
MWC was founded in 1955 to serve a small but growing rental home community. Founded by Fred Walker Sr. the company has remained a family-owned business throughout its duration though the company was incorporated in 1979. Most of the land in the Meadowbrook service area was originally agricultural land and dairy farms. Today, much of the original land has been subdivided for residential and commercial growth.
CAW, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest publicly traded U. S. water and wastewater utility company. The company employs 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. Its assets include 49,000 miles of pipeline to serve approximately 15 million people in 1,600 communities. Founded in 1886, American Water is marking its 130th anniversary this year.
According to a CAW press release, Meadowbrook’s customers will be served by a staff that includes water treatment and distribution operation that are experts in their fields and hold water treatment certifications through the State Water Resources Control Board.
“I am pleased to welcome Meadowbrook Water Company customers and am eager to introduce them to our conservation program that features rebates, free services and devices. Our new customers are also expected to eventually enjoy access to our low-income assistance and conservation programs,” said Director of Northern California Operations S. Audie Foster. “Through this acquisition, we will be able to provide customers with safe and reliable water services at a reasonable rate.”
