Where: Grizzly Lake, California

Problem: Small water systems lack resources to adequately serve their communities

Solution: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) provides technical assistance to ensure access to resources

Grizzly Lake Community Services District (GLCSD) supplies water to Delleker, California, and the Crocker Mountain/Grizzly Retreat. Delleker is a census-designated place (CDP) in Plumas County, California that serves approximately 700 people. GLCSD has not increased its water rates since 2015 and has been operating at a loss for many years. GLCSD requested assistance from RCAC to develop a rate structure that would cover its operating costs.

Rural Development Specialist (RDS) Mary Fleming analyzed the system’s rate structure and costs and recommended a rate adjustment to the board, which was adopted in late 2022. As a result, the GLCSD expects a $110,346 revenue increase this year and an annual 3 percent rate increase in future years to fully cover operating costs, debt service, and operating and capital reserves. The rates are still well within the state of California’s affordability threshold and will put the utility on the path to financial sustainability.