GOVERNOR NEWSOM SIGNS LAW TO BRING JUSTICE FOR EAST OROSI AND OTHER RURAL COMMUNITIES
For Immediate Release
Sept. 24, 2024
Contact:
Maraid Jimenez, Community Water Center, 559-809-7646, maraid.jimenez@communitywatercenter.org
GOVERNOR NEWSOM SIGNS LAW TO BRING JUSTICE FOR EAST OROSI AND OTHER RURAL COMMUNITIES
Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula is the author of AB 805 which allows for the State Water Board to appoint an administrator for failing wastewater systems.
EAST OROSI, Calif. — Today the Governor of California signed AB 805 by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) into law. Dr. Arambula, community partners and Community Water Center worked closely on AB 805, which allows for the State Water Board to appoint an administrator for failing wastewater systems.
“I deeply appreciate Governor Newsom signing Assembly Bill 805, and I’m grateful to the East Orosi community and the Community Water Center for strongly pushing for this important legislation. Everyone should have access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation. We know that poorly managed sewer systems can have a harmful impact on the health and well-being of people exposed to these unacceptable situations.” Says Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno). “In East Orosi, residents for years have been dealing with a failing system and fighting for change. I hope this legislation brings much-needed improvements to prevent further injustice of this nature and to protect them and all Californians”
In East Orosi, community members have had to fight for years to get the State to take action on their unsafe drinking water while still dealing with issues from raw sewage & a failing septic system. Throughout 2024, residents have faced sewage backups into their homes, while staff for the East Orosi Community Services District failed to respond. AB 805 is critical to help ensure that all Californians maintain access to safe wastewater regardless of the size of their community or water system.
In 2012, California recognized a human right to safe drinking water and sanitation. However, access to safe sanitation remains a challenge for many communities. While efforts have been made to improve drinking water access, parity with wastewater service is needed. AB 805 builds upon successes addressing failing drinking water systems and extends those services for wastewater systems. Californians deserve both clean drinking water and reliable wastewater service.
Advocates had this to say:
“I became part of the East Orosi Community Services District to fight for clean water and it’s a journey that has been filled with constant delays,” says Carlos Sanchez, East Orosi Community Services District Member. “A new direction for this community is needed now, and we appreciate the governor recognizing this through his commitment to having clean drinking water and a reliable wastewater service for all.”
“We are tired of having to pay for two bills, we are tired of dealing with humiliating services. We have been dealing with this for decades and we just want to make sure we are paying for a right and fair service,” says Bertha Diaz-Ochoa, leader of Vecinos Unidos and East Orosi resident. “ Today the victory for my community is a direct result of all the advocacy we have done over the years and we are grateful to our representatives and the governor who heard our voices in this struggle.”
“We have stood alongside Vecinos Unidos for over 17 years in their struggle for safe water and wastewater services. For years, residents in this community have struggled with bill collections staff that have not delivered services despite residents paying a monthly bill,” said Susana De Anda, Executive Director of Community Water Center. “Water and wastewater are an essential human right, and CWC is grateful for Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula’s continued leadership on this issue.”
As we continue to advance solutions to make wastewater more accessible, California needs policies like Assemblymember Dr. Arambula’s AB 805 to protect our state’s most vulnerable households. Now the State Water Resources Control Board has the authority to appoint an administrator to ensure that needed wastewater projects can continue in East Orosi and communities across the state.
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Community Water Center (CWC) works to ensure that all communities have reliable access to safe, clean, and affordable water. Founded in 2006, CWC is a not-for-profit environmental justice organization, whose mission is to act as a catalyst for community-driven water solutions through education, organizing, and advocacy.
Web: www.communitywatercenter.org.
Twitter: @CWaterC
Facebook: @CommunityWaterCenter
Vecinos Unidos (Neighbors United) is a community-based organization, bringing together leaders from East Orosi, Orosi and Cutler who advocate for safe, affordable and reliable water and wastewater solutions.
