LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities it serves, California Water Service’s Redwood Valley District donated more than $63,000 to local community organizations in 2020.

The contributions went to organizations that provide assistance for at-risk or underserved communities and local first responders.

The Dillon Beach Emergency Response Team, Northshore Fire Protection District, Friends of Guerneville School and People Services Inc. are among last year’s recipients.

Additionally, to help alleviate some of the financial strain for customers who lost their jobs or were otherwise hard hit financially by the coronavirus pandemic, the company forgave a portion of past-due water bill balances for those who fell behind because of the pandemic.

The contributions and bill assistance are part of the utility’s philanthropic giving program and do not affect customers’ water bills.

“With so much financial hardship in our community last year, we wanted to focus our giving on organizations that could best support our customers and neighbors,” said District Manager Evan Markey. “California Water Service is thoroughly committed to delivering quality, service, and value to our communities, and it is a privilege to be able to give back every year in this way.”

Cal Water serves about 3,600 people through 1,900 service connections in Lucerne and parts of Duncans Mills, Guerneville, Dillon Beach, Noel Heights and Santa Rosa. The utility has provided water service in the area since 2000.

Additional information may be obtained online at www.calwater.com.