Carmichael Water District and Sacramento Suburban Water District Explore Combination Study
May 17, 2023 12:00AM ● By SSWD StaffCARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - The public is invited to learn about a recent study exploring combination opportunities between Carmichael Water District (CWD) and Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD). The study, initiated in 2022, was conducted by an independent consulting firm and explores how combining the two neighboring water utilities might improve efficiencies, reduce costs, increase water supply reliability and enhance customer service.
Workshops provide opportunities for customers to hear a briefing on study results, ask questions and provide initial feedback. Two public meetings are scheduled for June with both in-person and virtual options available:
Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 6:30 P.M.
Hosted by Carmichael Water District
CWD Boardroom
7837 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael, CA 95608
Info: (916) 483-2452 or [email protected]
Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 6:30 P.M.
Hosted by Sacramento Suburban Water District
SSWD Boardroom
3701 Marconi Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821
Info: 916.972.7171 or [email protected]
BACKGROUND
The Opportunities: The goal in examining combination is to see how merging the two districts might encourage efficiencies, reduce costs, improve water supply reliability, and enhance customer service.
The Threats: The water industry and local communities are facing several changes and challenges, including the projected impacts of climate change on water supplies and increasing regulations that will potentially make it difficult to keep rates affordable.
The Process: The CWD and SSWD Boards commissioned a study by an independent consulting firm to provide an initial look at the potential benefits and disadvantages to combination.
After a comprehensive public review, the boards accepted the initial study. In doing so, Board members signaled that the initial study offered many potential benefits that should continue to be explored and uncovered no fundamental flaws that should stop discussions. The Boards also requested staff to undertake additional technical analysis that further reviews and defines potential governance structures, water rights assurances, administration, operations, cost savings and other topics.
More information
Detailed information is available online on the CWD website at carmichaelwd.org and SSWD website at sswd.org, including:
The initial study, Business Case for a Potential Combination; Fact sheets and Frequently Asked Questions about combination discussions and the initial study.
