Community Grants Enable 53 West Goshen Homes to Access Safe Drinking Water

In West Goshen, Tulare County, a nearly five-year collaborative effort has resulted in 53 households—serving over a hundred residents—gaining access to clean and dependable drinking water through a federal and state-funded project. Community partners, including the nonprofit Community Water Center, have been dedicated to improving water quality in the area. "Residents are expressing relief and enthusiasm. Many notice a distinct difference in water feel—softer and gentler on the skin compared to well water," shares Erica Diaz, the Community Solutions Advocate at the Community Water Center. For years, the organization has worked tirelessly to eliminate water contamination issues, such as nitrates and uranium, and to address the problem of dry wells faced by many locals. The initiative was made possible by a $3.4 million grant from the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) program, which facilitated connection of Goshen homes to Cal Water's municipal water supply. Steve Johnson, interim director of Cal Water, emphasizes, "Our water quality exceeds federal and state safety standards, ensuring the well-being of our community members." Local resident Fernand...