October eNews: Not voting is spooky!
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Dear Supporter,
This month, members of the AGUA coalition traveled to SCICON (an outdoor school of science and conservation in Tulare County, California) for their annual retreat. The AGUA Coalition meets for monthly calls on water issues, but this was a chance for members from the Central Valley and the Central Coast to connect with one another. For some community members it was the first time meeting each other in person! Meeting face-to-face gave a valuable opportunity for these water leaders to connect not just on water issues, but also share hopes for their communities.
AGUA Coalition members and CWC staff at the retreat in Tulare County.
At the retreat, AGUA members were able to reflect on a year of water justice efforts including successes like the extension funding for the SAFER program through 2045 and challenges like pushing for water affordability in the face of high water bills. This was a critical space to strategize for 2026 campaigns and make sure the coalition moves forward with shared values. Being together in the foothills also meant AGUA members got to connect through fun activities like a ZUMBA class led by one of the members and enjoying the outdoors. Opportunities that bring together and energize water leaders are key to a sustainable movement, and we can’t wait to put our plans into action!
Adelante,
Susana De Anda
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Safe Water Project Moves Forward in Porterville
CWC staff hosted a platica with residents in Porterville.
In our mission to realize the Human Right to Water for all Californians, we are excited to share about a safe drinking water project in Porterville! Right outside the city of Porterville, residents rely on domestic wells — many which are contaminated by high levels of nitrates. Nitrates can cause negative health impacts like Blue Baby Syndrome, low blood pressure and are even associated with cancer through long term exposure. Places of exposure range from tap water in homes to water fountains in the local school making it urgent to connect with drinking water solutions to protect their health.
Outreach began in August 2024 and was an important first step to connect communities to interim resources like well testing and bottled water while sharing information on potential long-term solutions. Currently are working to gauge resident interest in long-term solutions, like consolidation with the City of Porterville and interest is strong.
Having access to safe and affordable drinking water would mean kids in Hope Elementary can drink from water fountains and local restaurants that depend on domestic wells can thrive without the burden of paying for expensive water filtering systems. Communities that understand their resources are communities that are empowered to work for drinking water solutions.
Learn more about this safe water project here!
Are you ready to vote tomorrow?
There is a special election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Are you ready?
Have your mail-in ballot?
After filling out your ballot, make sure to seal it in the provided envelope, sign it where indicated, fill out your address and other required information, and drop it off at a local dropbox or polling place. You can track your ballot at https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/.
Ballots must be placed in a dropbox, or dropped off at a polling place by 8 pm on November 4, 2025.
Voting in person?
Enter your address and find your local polling place: sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place.
Polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you arrive at a voter center by 8 p.m and are still waiting in line you can still vote. Never leave the polling place without voting. If someone tells you that you can’t vote for any reason, you can demand a “provisional ballot.”
Every election matters so make your voice count!
View all recent media here.
CWC is Hiring
Do you have a passion for environmental and social justice? Are you looking for an opportunity to work alongside those on the frontlines of the movement for safe and affordable drinking water in California?
Community Water Center is hiring:
Policy Director - Sacramento Office
The ideal candidate is an experienced policy advocacy leader and people manager who is: Committed to environmental justice, Energized to lead a team of policy advocates toward successful outcomes, and has a proven track record of wins, and Eager to partner with rural, low-income communities of color living with contaminated drinking water to seek short- and long-term solutions.
More information on CWC Careers here!
Community Resources
The Drinking Water Tool
Visit the Drinking Water Tool to see who makes decisions about your water supply and quality, potential threats to groundwater quality, and how to get involved in local groundwater management decisions, among other great information. Use the tool here!
Thank you to our Generous Donors!
A huge thank you to our sustaining monthly donors! Your ongoing commitment to water justice ensures everyone will have access to safe, clean and affordable drinking water.
Ann Dierks, Bessma Mourad, Bob Simone, Carly Yoshida, Claire Sarraille, Claire Wilkens, F Thomas Biglione, Herbert G Cattanach, Jelle van Geuns, Jonathan Nelson, Jose Pablo Ortiz Partida, Kat Gilje, Kelsey Hinton, Kirk Demartini, Kjirste Morrell, Kristin Dobbin, Lauren Gordon, Lou Riordan, Margaret Ferguson, Margaret Pedersen, Max Gomberg, Max Meyer, Robert Kimberling, Sandi Matsumoto, Temma Kaplan, Wendy Hoben
October Donor
Brian Hinton
Be a water champion and support safe water for all.
