Carlos and Naomi Chavez have lived in Seville for 70 years. One thing has stayed the same in all those years, the tap water.
Carlos Chavez said, "We use it to wash dishes only and take a shower."
It isn't safe to drink because it's contaminated with nitrates. Maria Herrera with the Community Water Center blames the old water system. She says the pipes are rusty and some are broken and exposed above ground. "It's pretty much third world conditions here in Seville."
The small town spoke up five years ago and asked Tulare County to step in. Tuesday morning, County Supervisors approved funding to study the problem and find a solution.
"The study includes looking at a neighboring water system that includes Yettem, possibly consolidating the two," County Supervisor Steve Worthley added, "it will look at governance, how this water will be governed and whether we'll create a separate entity to do that."
That could take up to 18 months. But when the study is done, the county will be able to seek funding to build new water infrastructure.
Carlos Chavez said, "I hope they can do it soon, so we don't have to be spending money on bottled water."
It's just the first step in a long process. Still it's good news for Carlos and Naomi and It means change for the one thing that has stayed the same. "We appreciate it."
The County won't have to pay for the study. The State is picking up the tap and will also pay for the new infrastructure when it's approved.
TXT 24
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