Tuesday, May 15 2012 2:20PM

As the quality of water in rural areas in Tulare County continues to be unsafe, California Watch reports that the Allensworth and Alpaugh Community Services Districts and the Angiola Water District may team up to provide drinking water to residents.

In response to elevated arsenic levels, the proposal would include consolidation of the 8,000-plus public systems in California. The Allensworth-Alpaugh plan is considered unique because it would involve consolidation between water districts in rural communities and an irrigation water district, according to the source.

This would not only cut the costs of running and maintaining water systems, but also serve as a solution for low-income residents who spend an average of 10 percent of their income on water.

California Watch notes that the proposal has already received nearly $420,000 in state grants to research its likelihood of helping rural communities. The plan has also earned support from the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, who sent an application to the state Strategic Growth Council.

"Rural communities like Allensworth face huge barriers to clean drinking water and we need innovative solutions to overcome these barriers," Denise Kadara, president of the Allensworth Progressive Association, said during a meeting of the Strategic Growth Council.

For further information, check out this source: California Watch