BAKERSFIELD, Calif., June 23, 2003 -- At a ribbon cutting ceremony held recently, California Water Service Company (Cal Water) celebrated the on-time and on-budget completion of the Bakersfield Water Treatment Plant, the largest capital project in the company's 77-year-history.
"We wanted to commemorate the completion of this facility and recognize its significance to our company, our community, and our customers," said Peter C. Nelson, Cal Water President and Chief Executive Officer. "The plant will be integral in enabling us to meet Bakersfield's water quality and supply needs, both now and in the future."
The Bakersfield Treatment Plant will be used to produce 20 million gallons of water per day from the Kern River, a source of supply made available to Cal Water through an agreement with the City of Bakersfield. Designed and built by Black & Veatch, the plant treats the water using an advanced pretreatment process and a membrane filtration system developed by Pall Corporation.
According to Cal Water District Manager Tim Treloar, the $49 million plant was the most cost-effective means of meeting the new water quality standard for arsenic.
"This plant will produce a consistently high-quality water supply that will enable us to meet current and anticipated water quality standards. We are really proud of the facility, and wanted to set aside a day to thank all those who helped make it happen," he said.
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Cal Water's Bakersfield District recognized several project partners, including the City of Bakersfield, Black & Veatch, Pall Corporation, Kennedy Jenks, Bookman-Edmonston, and Kern County Parks and Recreation. The company paid special tribute to Gene Bogart, City of Bakersfield Water Department head, Mel Byrd, former District Manager of the Bakersfield District, Jeff Yarne, Program Manager over the entire project, and Peter C. Nelson, Cal Water's President and CEO.
California Water Service Company serves 400,000 customers in 90 communities throughout the state. In addition to the 64,300 customers in its Bakersfield, North Garden, and Olcese systems, Cal Water serves 30,600 customers through operating contracts with the City of Bakersfield and Spicer City. The company has served the Bakersfield area since 1926. Additional information may be obtained on line at www.calwater.com.
