Residents impacted by the Erskine Fire will be able to continue to pick up bottled water at no charge if they need it from the California Water Service (Cal Water) Customer Center and two mobile distribution stations through the July 4th weekend.
Cal Water has partnered with the Kern County Emergency Operations Center to distribute large donations of bottled water sent to the county to help victims of the fire, which has enabled the utility to maintain its bottled water distribution centers since they opened June 24. Donations have been provided by Nestle, Costco, 7-11, and W.A. Thompson.
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Through July 4, residents who need bottled water can pick up cases at the Cal Water Customer Center (7138 Lake Isabella Blvd.) or at two mobile distribution centers (at Highway 178 & Entrada, and at Highway 178 & McCray). All locations will be open from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Beginning Tuesday, July 5, bottled water can be picked up at the Customer Center during regular business hours until supplies run out.
“Our thoughts remain with the families who have been impacted by this devastating fire,” said Local Manager Chris Whitley. “While our crews have been working around the clock to restore and maintain water service before power is fully restored, we are also committed to supporting the community as much as we can. This includes our bottled water distribution centers for all residents and direct donations to Cal Water customers who tragically lost their homes.”
Most of the homes destroyed in the fire were customers in Cal Water’s South Lake and Squirrel Mountain (town of Squirrel Valley) systems. The company donated $23,000 in gift cards to these customers as part of Cal Water’s philanthropic giving program. All donations are paid by the company; they do not impact rates.
Additionally, beyond to the employees across the state who came to the Kern River Valley to assist in Cal Water’s efforts during the fire, employees statewide have set up a donation fund to further help the fire victims. Funds donated by employees will be matched with an additional contribution by the company and given to The Salvation Army.
Cal Water serves approximately 4,300 service connections in the Kern River Valley and about 2 million people through 480,300 service connections in California. The company has provided water service in the Kern River Valley area since 2000. Additional information may be obtained online at www.calwater.com.
Courtesy Cal Water
