Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tulare County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in water utilities with high priority
Matheny tract water and sewer consolidation
East Orosi's tap water is contaminated with nitrates, so residents rely on bottled water while the county runs the system as administrator. The $13 million project to connect East Orosi to the Orosi PUD finally broke ground after 20+ years.
Aging flood pumps and capital improvement program
The county's building wishlist for the next five years includes ten fire station deferred-maintenance projects, the sheriff training facility, behavioral health remodels, a permanent historical records room, and landfill and courthouse work — funded by the general fund, the Millennium fund, and department reserves.
SGMA implementation and Tule subbasin probation
Supervisor Vander Poel reported the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency's pumping allowance drops from 90% to 70% of historical overdraft this water year — restrictions are now really biting farmers.
Declining state water infrastructure funding
State drinking water and sewer funds are shrinking, with a nearly $1 billion gap projected over three years. Local communities like Tipton, Tooleville, Plainview, Allensworth and Woodville still have wells out of compliance or failing.
Drought conditions and drinking water assistance
About 1,500 households still receive bottled water — 116 tied to drought, the rest to contamination. Tanks-and-hauled-water serves 131 households, and GSAs have only recently begun replacing dry wells.
Failed special districts in Plainview and Poplar
Supervisor Micari says the private Plainview water company has collapsed — broken pumps, no board — and the elected Poplar CSD is feuding with a nonprofit after a grand jury inquiry. The county says it has no legal authority over either but is trying to help anyway.
East Orosi sewer system administration
The county took over the East Orosi sewer system in June 2025 and faced a $75,000 lift station emergency a month later. The long-term fix is years away, so the county is using ARPA money to pump holding tanks and fence the lift station against vandalism.