Tulare County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tulare County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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
About $2.25 million in disaster recovery mitigation money will standardize and replace failing storm pumps — at least four have already 'self-selected' for replacement this year. Implementation is expected around 2028.
SGMA implementation and Tule subbasin probation
The County is lending up to $500,000 to the newly reorganized Tule East GSA, repayable over about five years, after the East Thule GSA dissolved quickly. Groundwater banking opportunities discussed could eventually bring new water to southwest Tulare County.
Earlimart water system failures
Well malfunctions left the community of Earlimart without reliable water, briefly keeping kids out of school and stalling commercial growth. Repairs are done and the main well is back online, with state funding help being pursued.
Drought conditions and drinking water assistance
The county's bottled water program is still serving households whose wells have run dry or gone contaminated — about 1,890 enrollments since the program started, mostly contamination-related. If your private well has water problems, the drought hotline can get you enrolled.
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.
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 Water System Consolidation Financing
The county ratified an amended state agreement to refine the scope of the East Orosi Community Services District water supply and infrastructure project.
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.