California American Water acquires Fruitridge Vista’s operating assets

US-based California American Water has acquired the operating assets of Fruitridge Vista Water Company, a Class B water utility in South Sacrament, for $20.75m.

Following the acquisition, California American Water has now become the new water provider to approximately 4,800 customers of Fruitridge Vista which is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission.

In December last year, the company secured approval from the California Public Utilities Commission for its acquisition.

California American Water president Rich Svindland said: “We are pleased to welcome the Fruitridge customers to the California American Water family.

“This acquisition will allow Fruitridge Vista customers to take advantage of our excellent conservation and customer service programs. We are also planning on improving the system and make the capital investments this system needs.”

The company is well prepared for the smooth integration of Fruitridge Vista’s customers. Each new customer is given information packets regarding the service.

An expert set of water treatment and distribution operators, certified through the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water, will serve the new customers of California American Water.

Other professionals from the company’s water quality, finance and engineering group will also lend their expertise.

Apart from billing and operational services, the integration process also includes an in-depth assessment and planning for Fruitridge’s immediate capital investment needs.

California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, currently provides water service to almost 60,000 households and businesses in the Sacramento region. It has nearly 180,000 customers within the State of California.

American Water provides regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services in 46 states.