At the California Water Association (CWA), we’re proud to share a major milestone achieved by one of our member companies, Golden State Water Company: the successful consolidation of the Robbins water system in Sutter County. This project is more than just an infrastructure upgrade, it’s a powerful example of how our members are working every day to bring safe, reliable drinking water to communities that have been underserved for far too long.
For decades, the residents of Robbins, a rural community of about 300 people in south Sutter County, lived with aging infrastructure and tap water that failed to meet basic health and safety standards due to naturally occurring arsenic contamination. Many relied on bottled water for daily needs, waiting for a permanent solution that always seemed just out of reach.
Thanks to the leadership of Golden State Water and funding from the State Water Resources Control Board’s SAFER (Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience) program, construction is now underway on a new well and water treatment facility. This $8 million investment will transform the outdated system into one that meets all state and federal drinking water standards.
Golden State Water acquired the Robbins water system in 2022 and immediately began working closely with state and local partners, including Sutter County, to plan and implement this ambitious overhaul. With three active construction sites already in progress, the project is expected to be completed by June 2027.
“In the not-too-distant future, the Robbins water system will comply with all state and federal drinking water standards,” said Sean Twilla of Golden State Water. “Residents will no longer have to depend on bottled water.”
For the people of Robbins, this means more than clean tap water—it means peace of mind, dignity, and the end of a long wait for a basic human necessity.
While this is a major victory for Robbins, the broader challenge remains. According to the State Water Board, more than 875,000 Californians still lack access to safe drinking water. The work isn’t done—but the Robbins consolidation shows what’s possible when utilities, regulators, and communities come together with purpose.
CWA commends Golden State Water for its commitment, professionalism, and vision. This project is a shining example of how our members are stepping up to solve California’s most pressing water challenges—one community at a time.
FOX News Sacramento: New water treatment facility in the works
https://fox40.com/video/new-water-treatment-facility-in-the-works/10922008/
CBS Sacramento: Small Northern California community gets clean drinking for first time in decades
Univision: Esta ciudad en California por fin tendrá agua potable: llevaba más de 10 años sin el recurso
Appeal Democrat: Clean water soon on tap for Robbins
