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Santa Rosa board approves state-funded consolidation of Park Royal water system after arsenic exceedances
Summary
The Board of Public Utilities unanimously authorized Santa Rosa Water to consolidate the Park Royal Mutual Water Company—serving 27 parcels—into the city system and enter a funding agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board; staff said Proposition 1 state funding covers all project costs and there will be no charge to ratepayers.
The Santa Rosa Board of Public Utilities voted unanimously Nov. 20 to authorize Santa Rosa Water to carry out a consolidation of the Park Royal Mutual Water Company and to enter into a funding agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board.
Director Burke introduced the item and Candice Michael, an associate civil engineer with Santa Rosa Water, told the board that water quality samples from Park Royal wells exceeded the state maximum contaminant level for arsenic in 2021 and 2022 and that the State Water Resources Control Board required corrective action. A feasibility study concluded consolidation with Santa Rosa Water was the preferred option; the project will extend a water main and connect 27 parcels in the Park Royal neighborhood, located on Hall Road roughly half a mile west of Fulton Road and outside Santa Rosa city limits.
Michael said Proposition 1 planning funds have covered planning to date and will "cover all future planning, design, construction, and connection costs." When a member of the public asked for numbers, Michael stated the project is "a state mandate and a state funded project" and staff reiterated there is "no cost to our rate payers." The board took a roll call vote and the resolution passed unanimously.
The funding agreement requires the board to authorize Santa Rosa Water to carry out the consolidation, enter the funding agreement, accept and expend state funds and provide required assurances, certifications and commitments for reimbursement from the State Water Resources Control Board. The presentation noted an assistance request (7259) from the water board supported community outreach, engineering reports, 90% water distribution plans and CEQA documentation.
Public commenter Janice Carmen said she was "disappointed" by what she described as limited public information about project costs and availability of financial details; staff responded that planning and construction costs will be reimbursed by state funding and will not be borne by local ratepayers.
Next steps noted by staff include submitting the funding application to the State Water Resources Control Board and completing coordination with LAFCO; the board authorized staff to sign agreements and request reimbursements as required under the funding agreement.
