For years, the community of Athal has been fighting for clean water, and on September 1, the California Water Board issued a mandatory consolidation order to the Athal Mutual Water Company so that residents would be under the Lamont Public Utility District (PUD).
As data centers are on the rise, the Central Valley is facing several proposals, including the two for Inyokern and Taft, along with two centers being proposed in Kings and Tulare Counties.
UPDATE: A community member confirmed the water was restored Saturday night (January 17); however, they are still advocating for change.