As water supplies become scarce in certain regions as a result of a changing climate and increased demand from a growing population, the role companies play to help ensure sustainable water supplies is growing.
In California, as many as 1 million people do not have access to safe drinking water from their faucets.
Most of these individuals live in areas served by small water districts.
Jerry Brown and supported by many in the agriculture, environmental and business communities that would help struggling water districts afford water treatment costs.
The Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund being considered in legislation (Senate Bill 623), as well as in the governor’s budget as an alternative legislative path, would attach a nominal fee of less than the cost of a pack of chewing gum each month to household water bills and slightly more to business facilities like ours to help assure safe and affordable drinking water is available to everyone in California.
Growers in our supply chains, employees and customers may very well reside in the communities facing clean water shortages.
So, one of our water goals is to help ensure availability of clean, safe drinking water.
We know that our companies too can make an impact by taking action within our supply chains and operations.
This policy proposal on safe drinking water is a clear example of doing so.
We urge legislators to advance the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund act that would help make clean water a reality for all who reside in this great state.