California's $5 Million Investment Connects Tombstone Community to Safe Water

On May 13, 2025, a small crowd gathered in Tombstone, a rural community near Sanger in California’s Central Valley. They weren’t there for a festival or a town hall but to mark the start of a $5 million water project. For residents who’ve long depended on private wells, often tainted by contaminants, this state-funded initiative promises something vital: clean, reliable drinking water piped directly to their homes.

Tombstone’s challenges mirror those of many rural areas. Limited resources, aging wells, and exposure to nitrates from nearby farms have left families vulnerable. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by residents, local leaders, and state officials, carried a sense of hope. It was a moment that felt less about infrastructure and more about securing a basic necessity for a community that’s waited too long.

The project draws from California’s Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund, created by Senate Bill 200 in 2019. This fund commits $130 million each year through 2030 to improve water access, especially in underserved areas. Tombstone’s effort, backed by $4 million from Proposition 68 and $1 million from the state’s General Fund, shows how targeted public investment can transform lives. Since the SAFER program began, over 250 failing water systems have been fixed, helping nearly 300,000 people.

The progress is clear. When Governor Gavin Newsom took office, far more Californians lacked safe drinking water. Today, that number has dropped significantly, thanks to projects like this one. Still, rural communities face ongoing hurdles, and closing the remaining gaps will demand steady resources and focus.

Tombstone’s project thrives on collaboration. The City of Sanger, which will supply water to the community, led the charge by securing grants, waiving fees for Tombstone residents, and resolving property line disputes. Local groups, such as Leadership Counsel for Justice & Accountability, amplified residents’ voices. State agencies, including the Water Resources Control Board, provided expertise and funding to keep the project on track.

This kind of partnership isn’t new but remains essential. California has completed over 140 consolidations since 2019, each relying on cooperation between communities, cities, and the state. A 2024 UC Berkeley study found every surveyed consolidation project succeeded, with most delivering cleaner water. Tombstone’s story highlights how shared commitment can overcome complex challenges.

Public funding for water projects sparks debate. Some, particularly in states like Texas, argue that state-led initiatives can overstep local authority or infringe on property rights. They advocate for private solutions or local management, wary of tax hikes or centralized control. These concerns often emphasize the role of property owners in managing their own resources.

Others see government investment as critical to ensuring water access for all. California’s 2012 Human Right to Water law frames safe, affordable water as a public responsibility. Supporters point to federal programs, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has funneled billions into states. Public opinion leans heavily in favor—over 80 percent of Americans support more federal funding for water infrastructure, even if it raises costs slightly.

Projects like Tombstone’s aren’t simple. Extending water lines to rural homes requires negotiating private property rights, securing funds, and tailoring solutions to local needs. State Water Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel emphasized the importance of adaptability, noting that Tombstone revealed new ways to handle right-of-way issues. These efforts take time, trust, and persistence to succeed.

Across the U.S., rural water struggles persist. Roughly 2 million people, from Appalachia to tribal lands, lack reliable water services. Aging systems, extreme weather, and contaminants like arsenic compound the problem. While federal investments have helped, advocates stress the need for more financing and technical support to reach every underserved community.

By late 2025, Tombstone residents will have safe water flowing from their taps. This achievement, built on years of planning and advocacy, offers a glimpse of what’s possible. Yet, with thousands of Californians and millions nationwide still facing water access barriers, the work is far from over. Sustained funding and innovation will be key to maintaining momentum.

California’s model—pairing state resources with local partnerships—provides a blueprint for others. States like Virginia and New York are advancing similar efforts, driven by a shared belief in water as a basic right. Tombstone’s progress shows that when communities and governments align, they can deliver meaningful change.

For Tombstone, the future looks brighter. Clean water, once a distant hope, will soon be a daily reality. This small community’s success reminds us that solving big problems starts with collective action and a commitment to getting it right.