 Trout Gulch Mutual Water (TGW) is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation and is member owned and managed since 2008. Mission StatementTGW is dedicated to managing water, a precious resource, through production, storage, and distribution in the safest and most cost effective manner possible. Our Board of Directors shall assure good stewardship of company operations entrusted to them by its members and remain transparent with each and every action and activity undertaken. Decisions shall reflect integrity and fairness to all members served. Brief History of TGW The original water company was started sometime in the mid 1920's. The Forrest Glen subdivision was formed in the 1920's. The homes were located among the redwoods between Trout Gulch Creek and Valencia Road. The Mar Vista Water Company was created to supply water to the homes in this subdivision. The company was formed and owned by Jimmy Smith Sr, the father of Jimmy Smith Jr and Herb Smith. Jimmy Smith's (senior) primary occupation was the owner of Jimmy Smith Plumbing which has been active in Santa Cruz County for decades. He installed the water system for most of the Seascape residential area. A well (well #1) was drilled to provide water to the Forrest Glen homes in 1932. Over time, the watersystem expanded to include homes in the surrounding area along Trout Gulch Road, up Skyward Drive, and Old Farm Lane. In 1980 most of the system's mains were upgraded per the design of the local engineering firm of Washington-Jensen. In 1986, the Meadow Ranch Estates subdivision was created. A partnership was formed between the Meadow Ranch Estates developer and Jimmy Smith for Jimmy Smith to provide water to the new homes in this subdivision. At this time a second well was activated and a second storage tank was installed above Meadow Ranch Estates. Some time in the late 1980's or early 1990"s, ownership and operation of the water system was passed on from Jimmy Smith Sr. to his son Jimmy Smith Jr. and ownership of Jimmy Smith Plumbing was passed on to another son, Herb Smith. Expansion of the system since the Meadow Ranch development has been slow. Aptos Heights, a mini subdivision was created about 2004 of the five residential parcels. Jimmy Smith Jr., the owner of Mar Vista Water Company, also ran a tractor service, and decided to put his company up for sale in 2007.
Acquisition of Mar Vista Water
Company In late 2006 one of Mar Vista Water
company customers accidentally learned that Mar Vista was for sale and that
California American Water Co (Cal Am was interested in purchasing the company.
In January 2008, Jim Brownson contacted Ellen Pirie for assistance and
organized a meeting for all Mar Visa Water customers. Felton FLOW discussed the issues that Felton
FLOW had with Cal Am. Other options were presented and discussed one being the
recommendation that the customers put together an interim board of directors
that night and purchase Mar Vista Water.
Aptos Flow was then born. The
Board of Directors worked diligently on the purchase of Mar Vista,
which was completed by July 1, 2008. TGW INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS 2008:
2009:
2010:
2011:
2012:
FY2013-14:
FY2014-15:
FY2015-16:
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