Assemblywoman advocates for urgent water funding in McFarland amid critical supply concerns

In a recent meeting of the State Water Resources Control Board, urgent discussions centered on the critical water needs of McFarland, a rural community in California. Assemblywoman, who serves the area, highlighted the pressing requirement for funding to support a temporary reverse osmosis treatment system at the Browning Road well. This system is essential for ensuring access to safe drinking water for the community, which largely consists of farm workers.

The assemblywoman emphasized that McFarland has been facing water access challenges for over a year, and immediate action is necessary to secure funding for the treatment system. She urged the board to prioritize McFarland in the wastewater expansion project, noting the potential impact on families and children if water access is compromised.

During the meeting, it was confirmed that funding agreements totaling $8.5 million had been executed for a new well and the ongoing operations of the reverse osmosis system. However, local officials expressed concern that without timely access to these funds, the community could face a critical water supply crisis by the end of the month.

The meeting also featured public comments from residents like Mary Wood, who raised broader concerns about water accessibility for millions of Californians. Wood criticized the lack of safeguards for small public water systems and shared her personal struggles with legal fees related to water utility contracts. She called for greater oversight and collaboration to address the injustices faced by those without reliable access to safe water.

As the board continues to address these pressing issues, the focus remains on ensuring that rural communities like McFarland receive the necessary support to secure their water supply and uphold the state's commitment to safe and affordable drinking water for all residents. The urgency of these discussions underscores the ongoing challenges faced by many Californians in accessing this vital resource.