SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At its meeting today, the California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) Board of Directors declared the company’s 308th consecutive quarterly dividend, increasing the annual dividend by $0.08, or 8.7%, from $0.92 to $1.00. This represents the company’s 55th consecutive annual dividend increase. The quarterly dividend of $0.25 per common share will be payable on February 18, 2022 to stockholders of record on February 7, 2022.

California Water Service Group is the parent company of regulated utilities California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, Washington Water Service, and now Texas Water Service, a utility holding company. Together, these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water and wastewater service to more than 2 million people in California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. California Water Service Group’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CWT.” Additional information is available online at www.calwatergroup.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“Act”). The forward-looking statements are intended to qualify under provisions of the federal securities laws for “safe harbor” treatment established by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and management’s judgment about the Company, the water utility industry and general economic conditions. Such words as would, expects, intends, plans, believes, may, estimates, assumes, anticipates, projects, predicts, targets, forecasts or variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from what is contained in a forward-looking statement. Factors that may cause a result different than expected or anticipated include, but are not limited to: the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures, including our receipt of state COVID-19 financial relief funds in a timely manner; our ability to invest or apply the proceeds from the issuance of common stock in an accretive manner; governmental and regulatory commissions’ decisions, including decisions on proper disposition of property; consequences of eminent domain actions relating to our water systems; changes in regulatory commissions’ policies and procedures; the outcome and timeliness of regulatory commissions’ actions concerning rate relief and other matters; increased risk of inverse condemnation losses as a result of climate conditions; inability to renew leases to operate water systems owned by others on beneficial terms; changes in California State Water Resources Control Board water quality standards; changes in environmental compliance and water quality requirements; electric power interruptions; housing and customer growth; the impact of opposition to rate increases; our ability to recover costs; availability of water supplies; issues with the implementation, maintenance or security of our information technology systems; civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts; the adequacy of our efforts to mitigate physical and cyber security risks and threats; the ability of our enterprise risk management processes to identify or address risks adequately; labor relations matters as we negotiate with the unions; changes in customer water use patterns and the effects of conservation, including as a result of drought conditions; our ability to complete, successfully integrate and achieve anticipated benefits form announced acquisitions; the impact of weather, climate, natural disasters, and actual or threatened public health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, on our operations, water quality, water availability, water sales and operating results and the adequacy of our emergency preparedness; restrictive covenants in or changes to the credit ratings on our current or future debt that could increase our financing costs or affect our ability to borrow, make payments on debt or pay dividends; and, other risks and unforeseen events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements included in this paragraph, as well as the annual 10-K, Quarterly 10-Q, and other reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Company assumes no obligation to provide public updates of forward-looking statements.

Story continues

Contact
Tom Smegal
408-367-8200 (analysts)

Shannon Dean
408-367-8243 (media)

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Udupi district in-charge and Minister for Fisheries and Ports S. Angara on Wednesday said that the multi-village drinking water scheme will be introduced in Byndoor, Karkala, Hebri and Kaup taluks at an estimated cost of ₹1,611 crore.

Delivering the Republic Day message after unfurling the National Flag at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium in Ajjarkad in Udupi, Mr. Angara said that the project worth ₹390 crore for Byndoor taluk is in the tendering stage. Project reports for the scheme in the remaining taluks have been sent for government approval, the Minister said.

Mr. Angara said that the Government has planned to upgrade the Udupi District Hospital and taluk hospitals in Kundapur and Karkala with 48 additional paediatric intensive care units this year. The Nirmithi Kendra has already commenced the work with CSR funds provided by various companies.

The Minister noted that the State Government has so far provided ₹3.8 crore scholarship to 15,775 wards of farmers under the Chief Minister’s Vidya Nidhi scheme. Watershed development programme will be implemented in 12,553 hectares of land in Brahmavar, Kundapur and Karkala taluks under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Scheme and approval has been given for 42 minor irrigation projects worth ₹27.61 crore to be taken up in the next five years.

Mr. Angara said that the administration is continuing to give thrust on tourism and has approved opening of 57 homestay facilities. The Government has released ₹10 crore grant for improving the Trasi-Maravanthe beach stretch and ₹15 crore for the Someshwara Paduvari-Ottinene stretch in Byndoor. It has also approved ₹4.2 crore for construction of ferry jetty at the St. Mary’s Island, Malpe. The Tourism Department has submitted fresh proposals for 28 projects worth ₹ 44.1 crore.

Troupes from the police, Coastal Security Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Home Guards, Excise and NCC participated in the parade. Specially abled children Srikrishna and Archana were felicitated. And, district and taluk level best farmer awards were presented.

Udupi MLA K. Raghupati Bhat, Coastal Development Authority Chairman Mattar Rathnakar Hegde, district level officials and others were present.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

LG Electronics in Bangladesh and Rangs Electronics Limited collaboratively announced a new User Experience Campaign in Bangladesh that will allow consumers to experience the new LG PuriCare Water Purifier, on a trial basis. 

The trial period is 10 days long, after which users may keep the product by completing the payment, said a press release.

Managing director of LG Electronics in Bangladesh Peter Ko and managing director of Rangs Electronics Limited Ekram Hussain announced on Wednesday (25 January) the launching of the campaign which will continue until further notice.  

Peter Ko said, “LG Puricare Water Purifier devices are equipped with many unique features and services that ensure safe and pure drinking water for the consumers. The device is designed to ensure that impurities are removed without compromising the taste, thus giving users the best option to have pure and hygienic water throughout the year,”

“We are extremely pleased to provide our consumers in Bangladesh with this exciting new product.”

The LG Puricare Water Purifier comes in three different SKUs and is available at three different price points. 

The WW140NP comes for 25,990 BDT; WW151NP for 29,990 BDT; and WW172EP costs 37,990 BDT. 

The units can be found in the retail outlets of Rangs Electronics across the country. 

Users can avail of the campaign offer by calling 09678545454 or by visiting the nearest Rangs Electronics Ltd. showroom.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Is black the new pure? Remember the time water purifying companies convinced us to pick their product by magically turning dark murky liquid into crystal clear water? Well, the Indian cricket team’s captain has undone all of that advertising effort by being snapped on the field, sipping on similarly textured “black” murky water i.e. Alkaline water. A New Study Addresses Alkaline Water Electrolysis, A Key Technology in the Decarbonizing Society.

What’s The Hype All About?

Alkaline water is fast becoming very famous not just amongst popular sportspersons but also amongst grade A – Hollywood and Bollywood celebs. It has been praised by celebrities such as Beyoncé and Miranda Kerr. Closer to home, the hottest and fittest actresses like Malika Arora, Anushka Sharma, Shruti Hasan are regular consumers.

Is it Better Than the Boring Water We’ve Been Drinking all Along?

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than neutral drinking water. 7 is considered to be a neutral pH level, whereas Alkaline water has pH levels closer to about 8 or 9. Lower pH levels imply higher acidic content.

Alkaline water is claimed to reduce acids in the bloodstream, leading to health benefits such as Improved metabolism, Increased energy, Slow ageing, Improved digestion, Weight loss, Clear skin and even Fighting Cancer

However, there is a lack of scientific research when it comes to asserting the benefits of Alkaline water over normal drinking water. Additionally, our body, on its own, is capable of keeping our pH levels in check. Kidneys act like a built-in filtration system, supplemented by our stomach that utilizes gastric juices to neutralize acidic levels in whatever we consume.

Is It Safe?

Unless one has a kidney disease, Alkaline water shouldn’t pose any serious health risks. The high pH could make one’s skin dry and itchy or in some cases cause an upset stomach. Excessive alkalinity in the body may agitate its normal pH, leading to metabolic alkalosis, a condition that may produce the symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, muscle twitching etc.

Is It Worth It?

A locally manufactured 500 ml Alkaline water bottle costs INR 100 compared to the INR 10 one usually pays for the traditional pure drinking water. In a nutshell, if you’ve got a healthy kidney and pockets as deep as the Indian cricket team’s captain Virat Kohli, you could decide to go ahead spoil yourself, for no good reason.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 26, 2021 06:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

A couple of months after being issued a state water quality violation, the Cross and Caribou mines outside Nederland have installed a new water treatment filtration system that is fully operational.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment’s Water Quality Control Division, who issued the violation Nov. 5, continues to inspect and monitor the reports submitted by the mining operation to ensure the efficacy of the new system.

“Our state partners are reviewing the results of those tests to assess whether the system is working,” Jesse Rounds, a planner in Boulder County’s Planning and Permitting department, said at a public meeting Tuesday.

On initial inspection earlier this month, the numbers were trending positive and “moving toward undetectable,” according to Ed Byrne, who serves as legal counsel for Grand Island Resources LLC, the entity who operates the mines.

The notice of violation and cease and desist order alleges the Boulder County mining operation violated the Colorado Water Quality Control Act and a discharge permit by releasing heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and zinc into the watershed at levels exceeding what’s permitted by law.

The Nederland Board of Trustees on Tuesday evening hosted an informational session with county staff to discuss the situation and answer questions, given the amount of concern expressed by community members.

The operation discharges treated wastewater associated with the mines, which at one point produced gold, silver, copper, zinc and lead. According to the notice of violation, that wastewater is directed to a series of lined ponds. The water from both mines combines in the second pond and is discharged via pipeline to Coon Track Creek, which feeds into Barker Reservoir and Boulder Creek.

For this reason, the city of Boulder is monitoring the watershed frequently “because it drains directly into their drinking water,” according to Erin Dodge, a water quality program coordinator with Boulder County Public Health.

In addition to being required to install a new water treatment facility, the mines are required to submit regular progress reports. The operation also was issued a $5,000 fine with the caveat that if the system fails or there is continued non-compliance the amount could be increased to $17,000.

Grand Island Resources applied for revisions to its special use permit that allows mining to happen around the same time the violations occurred.

“We’re trying to determine what their next steps are.” Rounds said.

At least part of the reason Grand Island was required to submit a permit revision is some of the pieces included in the 2008 special use approval were allowed on a timeline that has since passed, he noted.

“We have regulatory authority over land use in the county,” Rounds said. “Our role here is figuring out: Does the activity at the Caribou (and) Cross (mines) fit within the land use codes.”

Representatives from Grand Island Resources, LLC attended the meeting, but president Daniel Takami said he was not prepared to answer questions from the community.

He said Grand Island intended to host a community meeting in the spring when people could ask questions and learn more about the mining operation’s plans.

“As far as our water … we had 11 exceedances out of 400 data points,” Takami said. “All of our exceedances were within drinking water standards.”

Byrne echoed that point.

“We wanted to get rid of those exceedances,” he said. “We think this new system is going to do that for us.”

Still, a number of community members asked questions and expressed concerns at Tuesday’s meeting.

Garrett Rue, a Boulder resident and researcher, said articles about the water quality violation in the fall caught his attention. He argued the company could have been more forthright about its discharges and said the public has a right to know.

“In some ways, this kind of feels like we’re trying to put the genie back in the bottle here,” Rue said.

Scott Papich, a Nederland resident, emphasized he feels it’s important for the town to cooperate and work with the mine, given that everyone must coexist together in the small mountain community.

But he said the cooperation should go both ways.

“We have an expectation here in town that the mine and the organization that runs the mine also cooperates with the town,” Papich said.

In Tuesday’s meeting, one person asked whether the county or state could implement a proactive testing program to avoid such a situation from occurring again.

Dodge noted that would be a better suited request of the mine.

“Being at that point of control is really where things start, right?” she said. “If I was monitoring two miles downstream, that’s a little too late.”

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Special to The T&D

ST. GEORGE – A groundbreaking ceremony was held in St. George on Tuesday for the Lake Marion Regional Water System’s Winding Woods Reach and elevated water tank.

This new reach and elevated storage tank will supply water to the Winding Woods Commerce Park, Woodland High School, the Dorchester County Courthouse and the greater St. George area.

“Throughout my Congressional tenure, I have made it my mission to fix the water issues in this region. Without adequate potable water, residents in this area will continue to have significant health care and economic opportunity challenges,” Congressman James E. Clyburn said at the ceremony.

“Today’s groundbreaking for the Winding Woods Reach builds on the tremendous progress the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency has made over the last two decades and will help ensure that current and future generations continue to benefit from this life-changing project,” he said.

The Winding Woods project includes a 7.8-mile waterline reach from Harleyville to St. George, which is scheduled to be completed in January 2023, and a 500,000-gallon water tank, scheduled to be completed in November 2022.

People are also reading…

The project also includes the installation of 28 fire hydrants along the new reach.

Lake Marion Regional Water Agency Chairman Johnnie Wright said, “The Winding Woods Water Tank and Winding Woods Reach project will make an important connection to the Lake Marion Regional Water System, and it will complete the agency’s goal of bringing water to the St. George area.”

Wright is also chairman of Orangeburg County Council.

The anticipated cost of the project is $17.6 million, which includes $12.8 million for the Winding Woods Reach and $4.8 million for the Winding Woods elevated water tank.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is funding 75% of the project and Dorchester County is funding 25%.

Santee Cooper, which owns and manages the water system, helped acquire the property for the agency and worked with consultants from Hazen and Sawyer on engineering and design, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is constructing the project.

“We are proud to help bring a reliable water supply to the some of the rural areas in this part of the state with our partners at the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency and Santee Cooper,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Johannes, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District.

“Providing this type of environmental infrastructure and watching the development and economic growth for the residents and businesses has been very rewarding,” he said.

Jane Campbell, senior director of Environmental and Water Systems with Santee Cooper, said, “An ample supply of clean water is important for a healthy, prosperous community. It is critical for the people who live here, and it is a game changer for economic development.”

Calhoun, Berkeley, Dorchester and Orangeburg counties and the Town of Santee are the members of the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency.

The LMWRA, working in partnership with Santee Cooper and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has constructed over 45 miles of water transmission lines to provide clean drinking water, enhanced fire suppression and economic growth.

Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government says it is developing a strategy to protect watersheds from threats posed by climate change combined with urban and industrial development.

A new discussion paper says areas the strategy could focus on include the availability of safe drinking water, healthy ecosystems, a sufficient supply of water to support the supply of food and local economic needs, as well as reducing risks from hazards like flooding and drought.

The paper released Tuesday says a preliminary climate risk assessment completed in 2019 identified seasonal and long-term water shortages among the greatest risks, compounded by population growth and industrial activity.

The paper notes that the removal of vegetation from watersheds to allow for urban development or by industries, such as forestry and mining, can contribute to flooding and harm sources of drinking water and aquatic ecosystems.

B.C. is recovering from severe flooding and landslides last fall, which followed a summer of sweltering heat, drought and destructive wildfires.

Environment Minister George Heyman says the province is working with Indigenous Peoples, local governments and others to develop its strategy, which is scheduled to be released next year.

“As the climate crisis continues, watersheds will play an increasingly central role in our lives by providing protection from storms and floods,” Heyman says in the discussion paper.

“Healthy watersheds are critical for achieving watershed security and resiliency and are the foundation of healthy communities.”

The strategy would also include a fund to protect clean water.

The deadline for public comment on the discussion paper is March 18.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 25, 2022.

The Canadian Press

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Muscat – Three hundred and twenty three water licences were issued in December 2021 to drill new wells, according to statistics issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR).

The statistics show that the Governorate of South Batinah was the highest in obtaining licences to dig new wells, with 81 licences followed by 76 in Dhahirah, 61 in North Batinah, 52 in Dakhliyah, 23 in North Sharqiyah, 21 in South Sharqiyah, , three each in Al Wusta and Buraimi, two in Dhofar and one in Musandam.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources stated the number of factories established for the production and bottling of pure water in the sultanate until the end of 2021 reached 35 factories.

The ministry added that most of these factories are located in the Governorate of Muscat (9) followed by South Sharqiah (8) and Dhofar (4) with the rest of the factories located in other governorates.

MAFWR said it deals with these projects in accordance with the technical requirements and gives conditional approvals in coordination with other government agencies.

The ministry is developing well-studied plans for such projects, by proposing the allocation of water abundant places for the establishment of these projects, and encourages Omani investors to establish such vital projects.

According to MAFWR, Oman received an average rainfall of 123mm in 2020. In 2019 it received an average of 183mm of rainfall.

Meanwhile, the volume of surface water running off the land in the sultanate during the year 2020 was estimated at 913mn cubic metres compared to 303mn cubic metres estimated in 2019.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Collector S. Dhivyadarshini inspected Hogenakkal to begin the preparatory works on a Detailed Project Report for the proposed Phase II of the Hogenakkal Integrated Drinking Water Project announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin last week.

Earlier, the Chief Minister announced the second phase of the Hogenakkal Fluorosis Mitigation and Drinking Water Distribution Scheme that would envision augmenting the capacity of distribution and increased coverage at ₹4,600 crore.

The district administration was asked to prepare a DPR for Phase II. In pursuant of the announcement, the Collector inspected Hogenakkal to explore the site for setting up head water storage reservoir, water purification plant and distribution tank that were part of Phase II expansion works. Officials were asked to expedite the exploratory study and prepare the DPR.

The project was implemented at ₹1,928.80 crore under multilateral funding through Japanese collaboration to mitigate fluorosis contamination in the drinking water and provide potable water for the town panchayats in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts. The two districts were worst hit by fluorosis contamination in drinking water that called for urgent intervention.

At present, the project is being implemented to provide drinking water to three municipalities, 16 town panchayats and 7, 639 villages of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

In episode 124 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast I speak with Christoph Gorder, Chief Global Water Officer of charity: water, on the process of bringing clean and safe drinking water to millions around the world.

Christoph Gorder joined charity: water in 2012 to lead the organization’s global water investments in 28 countries. Since its founding in 2006, charity: water has raised more than $500 million and provided clean water to over 13 million people. In his role as Chief Global Water Officer, Christoph also oversees technology innovations that increase transparency and long-term impact of clean water programs.

Prior to joining charity: water, Christoph spent 15 years leading disaster response operations and managing large-scale healthcare delivery programs around the world. He grew up in the Central African Republic and Nigeria, where getting clean water is still a dream for millions.

771 million people in the world live without clean and safe drinking water.

That’s nearly 1 in 10 people worldwide. Or, twice the population of the United States. The majority live in isolated rural areas and spend hours every day walking to collect water for their family. Not only does walking for water keep children out of school or take up time that parents could be using to earn money, but the water often carries diseases that can make everyone sick.

charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. charity: water works with local partners to implement sustainable, community-owned water projects in remote communities. Since 2006, thanks to their local partners and over a million supporters, they’ve brought clean and safe water to more than 13 million people around the world.

Listen to more Causeartist podcasts here.

Grant Trahant

Grant is the founder of Causeartist, one of the most influential impact business platforms in the world. Since 2013, Causeartist has been read in over 150 countries. Grant has personally interviewed 700+ impact entrepreneurs from around the world, highlighting innovations in ethical fashion, climate change, ethical technology, impact investing, and sustainable travel.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here