Governor Gavin Newsome | Official website
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the commencement of a $5 million state-funded project in Sanger, California, aimed at providing safe drinking water to residents relying on private wells. The initiative, attended by officials from the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and local community members, marks a significant step in addressing water access issues in Tombstone.
"All Californians deserve access to clean drinking water – a priority since day one of my administration," said Governor Newsom. "Today’s event in Tombstone brings us full circle because it was in this community I signed legislation to get safe drinking water into the home of every Californian."
Tombstone is an unincorporated community near Sanger where Governor Newsom signed SB 200 in 2019. This legislation established the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund, allocating $130 million annually through 2030 for underserved communities' water needs. Since its inception, over 250 failing water systems have been brought back into compliance with standards.
"Ninety-eight percent of Californians have reliable access to safe drinking water in their homes," noted Yana Garcia, California Secretary for Environmental Protection. "Helping communities like Tombstone bring about enduring, sustainable drinking water solutions is a top priority for the state."
The project will extend Sanger's services to Tombstone residents by year-end and is supported by $4 million from Proposition 68 and $1 million from the state's General Fund.
E. Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the State Water Board, stated: "Consolidations with domestic well communities are among the most difficult drinking water projects we finance and support." He emphasized that successful projects often rely on collaboration between various stakeholders.
Sanger City Manager Nathan Olson highlighted his team's efforts: "It was easy to recognize the need... ensuring our neighbors had reliable access to safe drinking water was the only choice."
Nataly Escobedo Garcia from Leadership Counsel for Justice & Accountability expressed enthusiasm about reaching this milestone: "Thanks to advocacy from residents... Tombstone and dozens of other communities are now closer to having access to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water."
The initiative aligns with Governor Newsom's broader infrastructure agenda aimed at delivering upgrades across California.
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