Problems of System Expansion by Annexation

Abstract

The rapid growth of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) water service area is typical of the expansion of the service areas of other water utilities throughout California. The methods of planning for and controlling this growth pattern differ somewhat from those of other water service jurisdictions. This article briefly discusses EBMUD's handling of East Bay area expansion, including: establishment of an ultimate service area; requests for annexation to provide water service to large areas in which residential development has already occured; economic aspects of annexation of the proposed areas; county water district procedures; the improvement of district procedure advantages of the financing the area's share of the cost of improving a water system to meet EBMUD standards; determination of area's share and of EBMUD's share; annexation and purchase of the San Ramon Valley from the California Water Service Company; initial problems of annexation; the value of good public relations and open communication with the residents and electorate of the area; problem of customer's water pressure; critical construction areas, and, planning of system takeover.