News Release
Mammoth Community Water District
PO Box 597, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
760-934-2596
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2024
CONTACT: Michael Draper

MCWD Awarded Risk Control Grant

The Mammoth Community Water District used the grant to purchase equipment for verifying buried utility lines.

Mammoth Lakes, California – Mammoth Community Water District has received a grant in the amount of $6,735.30 to help verify buried utility lines prior to performing excavation work. MCWD is one of 12 statewide recipients of the grant offered annually by the Association of CA Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority (ACWA JPIA). The Risk Control Grant Program’s purpose is to “promote the implementation of best practices that will prevent or mitigate losses in the JPIA’s programs.”

MCWD staff identified the need for detecting underground lines due to occasionally encountering unmarked electrical and cable lines. The grant allowed for the purchase of locating equipment, which will be utilized in conjunction with Underground Service Alert (USA) North 811 procedures required prior to digging. USA is an organization that connects the excavation community with the owners of underground utility lines. California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires contractors or property owners to contact USA prior to digging. Using a locating device, combined with USA procedures and regularly meeting with utility agencies, the District is able to reduce the risk of striking an unmarked utility line. This ensures safe excavation work to protect workers and eliminates potential interruption of the community’s utility services.

MCWD proudly accepts this grant and is looking forward to the extra level of caution and increased confidence it will provide for MCWD workers prior to excavation, instead of entirely relying upon USA markings.