It’s easy to take for granted the simple act of turning on the tap and pouring a glass of clean, healthy water — especially in a state as sprawling and diverse as California. We expect it to be there, every time, and rarely stop to think about the skilled professionals, the miles of pipes and the layers of regulations that make it possible. But to understand what goes on behind the everyday, let’s pull back the curtain on what it takes to keep our water flowing, thanks to California American Water.
“From behind the scenes to out in the field, all of us at California American Water are constantly working towards ensuring more and more people in our state have clean, healthy, affordable water.” — Joey Chen, Senior Manager of Regulatory Services
California’s water quality standards are some of the strictest in the country, often surpassing federal requirements. That means CAW has to work even harder, investing in state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure to stay ahead of the curve. Their teams are constantly monitoring, operating, testing and upgrading systems to ensure every drop meets the highest possible standards — because clean water isn’t just a commodity, it’s a right.
But it’s more than pipes and treatment plants. CAW is deeply invested in the communities it serves, especially those that might otherwise be left behind. Recognizing that affordability can be a barrier, CAW was one of the first utilities in the state to launch a discount program for low-income households. This commitment to equity changes and, in some instances, helps save lives — as is the case with their commitment to update and maintain fire hydrants under their care, helping ensure firefighters can do their jobs with adequate and constant water pressure. Beyond that, recent projects including more than $60 million to improve the Fruitridge Vista system show CAW’s proactive approach to infrastructure.
“My work, and the work of everyone at California American Water, is about more than just numbers and regulations,” says Joey Chen, senior manager of regulatory services. “It’s about ensuring that the 700,000 people we serve can turn on their tap every day and expect clean, safe and reliable water. That’s the standard we set for ourselves, and it’s what our communities deserve.”
So next time you pour yourself a glass of water, take a moment to appreciate the effort, the innovation and the community spirit that makes it all possible. Because in California, every drop tells a story — and California American Water is making sure it’s a good one.
