Where: Buttonwillow, Kern County, California

Issue: Buttonwillow County Water District needed interim financing to repair aging water infrastructure and stop major water leaks

Outcome: RCAC’s Loan Fund provided a $900,000 line of credit so the district could make timely payments to the contractor while awaiting reimbursement from the California State Water Resources Control Board

Buttonwillow County Water District, which has been in operation since 1956, provides water to a small, low-income, predominately farmworker community on the west side of Kern County. With its aging infrastructure, the district experienced several major water leaks each year, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of gallons of water. In addition, the community did not use water meters, so there was no financial incentive for water users to conserve, despite California’s five-year drought.

The district received a $3.6 million Prop 84 drought grant to replace water mains, install water meters and water lines, and install 12 new fire hydrants for fire safety. Once the water meters are installed, the district plans to conduct a rate study and convert from a flat rate to metered water rates.

It can take up to 90 days to receive reimbursement from the California State Water Resources Control Board, and the district needed to access interim funds to pay the contractor. RCAC’s Loan Fund provided a $900,000 line of credit so the district could make the payments and keep the project moving forward.