The city of Ceres has taken steps to assist eight households affected by the complete failure of a River Road water system’s only active groundwater well on Oct. 16. The failure left the small residential community near River Road and Mitchell Road without potable water.

On Monday the Ceres City Council approved a resolution proclaiming a local emergency and authorizing the interim city manager to coordinate agreements and resources necessary to make an emergency connection to the city’s water system.

The River Road Mutual Water Company operates independently of the City of Ceres and serves only eight residential households. The residents have experienced ongoing water supply challenges, and efforts to identify a reliable long-term solution have been underway for several years.

With the failure of the system’s only active well, the need for an alternative water supply became urgent.

“This is a serious situation affecting families who have lost access to a basic necessity,” said Interim City Manager Steve Williams. “Our priority is to work with the residents, Self-Help Enterprises, Stanislaus County, and the State to identify the quickest responsible path toward restoring a reliable water supply.”

Self-Help Enterprises coordinated with agencies to address the immediate needs of affected residents. Bottled drinking water is being provided to households, and temporary water storage tanks and hauled-water deliveries were in place as of Oct. 20.

Self Help also asked the council to waive the $5,000 hydrant water deposit.

In August 2024, the Ceres City Council approved an agreement with the water company to establish a framework for connecting the community to the city’s municipal water system.

According to City Engineer Mike Beltran, the city received a quote of $63,600 from a contractor but awaiting a second quote. Even though the city is facilitating the work, the homeowners are financially responsible for the connection costs. A written agreement will be required to prevent Ceres residents from being on the hook for the costs, he said. But he also said Self Help plans to contract with the contractor.

The city is also working with Self-Help Enterprises and the State Water Resources Control Board to identify emergency drinking water grants and other financial assistance that could offset construction costs.

Under the existing agreement, the River Road Mutual Water Company and affected property owners are responsible for the connection costs. Williams said the city’s goal is to secure available outside funding to minimize the financial impact on homeowners while protecting Ceres residents from assuming costs.

“The city recognizes the urgency of this situation,” Williams added. “We are committed to working collaboratively with our regional partners to help these residents obtain a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply.”

The city will provide additional information as the proposed emergency connection moves forward.