Water Providers and Water Systems

Overview of Who Provides Your Water

Domestic Wells

Domestic wells are privately owned wells that provide drinking water to one to four service connections or homes.1 Domestic well owners are not generally required to test or monitor water for contamination or other issues.2 Nevertheless, they should find out whether their water is safe in order to protect the health and safety of those who drink the water. More info at Domestic Wells and State Smalls Overview.

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State Small Water Systems

State Small Water Systems are usually domestic wells that provide water to less than 15 service connections. These systems are not regulated by the State Water Resources Control Board, but are somewhat monitored by county governments.3 Like domestic well owners, State Small Water System owners are not legally required to test or monitor water for contamination or other issues. But they should also find out whether their water is safe in order to protect the health and safety of those who drink the water. More info at Domestic Wells and State Smalls Overview.

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Public Water Systems

A Public Water System includes water systems that serve either 15 or more service connections or at least 25 of the same individuals everyday for 60 or more days in a year. The water quality of these systems is generally regulated by the State Water Resources Control Board. The State Water Resources Control Board can also give counties authority over their local water systems.

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Governmental Water Providers vs
Private Water Providers

Those who provide drinking water can either be a governmental entity or a private entity. Both types of providers can operate Public Water Systems. It is important to know what type of provider you have so you can figure out which laws apply if you begin to experience drinking water issues. 

Governmental providers include cities, counties, and special districts. Learn more about governmental providers, what they are required to do, and the laws that apply to them: Governmental Water Providers.

Private providers include investor-owned utilities, which are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission, and mutual water companies, which are regulated by state laws but do not have a main state agency overseeing them. Learn more about private providers, what they are required to do, and the laws that apply to them: Private Water Providers.

Who is My Water Provider or Water System?

Drinking Water Tool: Find Your Water Provider and Answer Your Water Quality Questions

Community Water Center has created an online Drinking Water Tool for community residents to get information on who provides your water and whether it is safe to drink. The tool goes into further detail about potential threats to groundwater quality, potential impacts to groundwater supply from future droughts, and how to get involved in local groundwater management decisions.

The webpage will provide instructions on how to find the information you need. 

Other Ways to Find Out Who Your Water Provider Is

If you are receiving water from a public water system, you will get a water bill in the mail, through email, or through an online website every month. This bill should have information about your water provider, including contact information like a phone number or email address. If you are seeking information about your water quality, your provider should be able to answer your immediate drinking water questions and concerns. If they cannot answer your questions, reach out to Community Water Center at (559) 733-0219 or info@communitywatercenter.org.

This Page Last Updated: July 16, 2024