CA City Approves Sale its of Water System to Southwest Water

The City Council of West Covina, CA, has given final approval for the sale of its water distribution system to Southwest Water Co.

On February 1, the Council voted unanimously to approve the terms of the purchase contract that completes the sale. Suburban Water Systems, Southwest Water Co.'s California utility subsidiary, will assume ownership and operation of the city's water system and facilities on Feb. 25, 2000.

Anton C. Garnier, Southwest Water president and CEO, says that the transaction benefits all concerned. The city will receive funds to improve public services, and the utility will add 7,000 connections to their California utility customer base, an increase of 11 percent.

Southwest Water Co. operates and manages water supply and wastewater treatment systems. The company owns some of the systems and are regulated public utilities, while the remainder, owned by cities, utility districts and private companies, are operated and managed under contract.

Edited by Tracy Fabre