California Mutual Water Company Training Course

California Mutual Water Company Training CourseCalifornia Health & Safety Code 116755(a)Corporations Code 14301.2

1Required TopicsPursuant to Health & Safety Code 116755(a), the required topics include, but are not limited to:Fiduciary duties of mutual water company (MWC) board members;Avoiding conflicts of interest;Duties of MWCs to provide clean drinking water under the federal and California Safe Drinking Water Acts; andLong-term maintenance of public water systems.Topics we will coverCorporate governance, state regulation and taxation of MWCs, including:Incorporation rules;Governance by board of directors;Role of officers;Contents of articles of incorporation and bylaws;Specific statutes governing MWCs; Securities regulations pertaining to MWCs;Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulation of MWCs; andTaxation of MWCsTopics we will cover, cont.:Fiduciary duties of board membersThe duty of care;The duty of loyalty (which includes avoiding conflicts of interest); andThe duty of good faith and fair dealing.Overview of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)Overview of the California SDWA; andLong-term maintenance of public water systems. Governance of MWCsGovernance of MWCsThe term mutual water company is defined as: Any private corporation or association organized for the purposes of delivering water to its stockholders and members at cost, including use of works for conserving, treating and reclaiming water. (Cal. Pub. Util. Code (PUC) 2725.

Governance of MWCs, cont.Incorporation of MWCsMutual water companies, unlike common interest developments, must be incorporated i.e., they must be formed as a corporation under California law.

Under California law, a MWC is organized as a non-profit mutual benefit corporation (not to be mistaken with a non-profit public benefit corporation).

Shareholders of mutual benefit corporations, just like shareholders of for-profit corporations enjoy limited liability protection.

Governance of MWCs, cont.The rules governing mutual benefit corporations are found in the Corporations Code 7110, et seq. These rules are supplemented by general corporate law found in Corporations Code 100, et seq.In other words, MWCs are governed by the nonprofit mutual benefit corporation law; however, if the mutual benefit law does not address an issue, general corporate law will prevail. The only corporate code provisions which expressly discuss MWCs (as opposed to mutual benefit corporations in general) are found in Corporations Code 14300, et seq., and 14310, et seq.Governance of MWCs, cont.The Board of Directors (BOD)MWCs are managed and its activities are conducted through the BOD.All MWCs must have a board of directors (which must include at least on BOD member). Absent a provision in the bylaws requiring shareholder approval, all activities and affairs of a corporation shall be conducted under the direction of the board. (Corp. Code 7210.) Restrictions can be placed in the bylaws requiring member approval (including super majority approval). The goal is to balance two competing concerns:The need to check the powers of the board; andThe problems associated with management by a large group. Bottom line nothing can happen unless the BOD directs it to happen. Governance of MWCs, cont.Officers of the MWCAll MWCs must have the following officers: a president, a secretary and a treasurer. (Corp. Code 7213(a).) One person may serve in more than one capacity as an officer. (Id.) Officers are appointed by the BOD to run the MWD at the direction of the board. Except as otherwise provided by the articles or bylaws, officers shall be chosen by the board and serve at the pleasure of the board. (Corp. Code 7213(b).)Bottom Line officers are responsible for running the MWC, subject to the direction and oversight of the BOD

Governance of MWCs, cont.Governing DocumentsAll MWCs must have two documents:Articles of Incorporation; andBylaws.Governance of MWCs, cont.Articles of Incorporation (AOI).AOI must include the following (Corp. Code 7130):The name of the corporation;The following statement: This corporation is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation organized under the California Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law. The purpose of this corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity, other than credit union business, for which a corporation may be organized under such law.The name and address of the MWCs agent for service of processGovernance of MWCs, cont.Specific AOI Requirements for MWCsMWCs formed for domestic water supply must include a provision in the AOI (or the bylaws) that the water must be supplied only to the shareholders of the MWC. (Corp. Code 14300.)

For MWCs formed after 1998 in connection with the sale of property in a subdivision, Corporate Code 14312(a)(13)(A)-(L) contains a detailed list of additional required provisions. These provisions closely mirror those required for a permit from the Department of Corporations (10 CCR 260.140.71.2)These rules can be adopted by MWCs formed prior to 1998, and in many instances it would be best practices to do so.

Governance of MWCs, cont.Additional provisions (in AOI and/or blyaws) required for permit from Department of Corporations (10 CCR 260.140.71.2(b)):A statement to the effect that the mutual water company shall provide water to all members or shareholders. A general description of any activities other than the delivery of water in which the water company may engage. A proviso directing the board of directors to establish a rate structure which will result in the accumulation and maintenance of a fund for the repair and replacement of the water supply, distribution and fire protection system (the repair and replacement fund). The rate charged, moreover, must bear a reasonable relationship to the cost of furnishing water. A reasonable relationship between each unit of the securities to be issued and each unit of the area to be served; e.g., one share of common stock issued for each subdivided lot purchased. A statement prohibiting the issuance of fractional shares or securities. Adequate provision must be provided for transfer of the securities, voting rights of the security holders, inspection of books and records by security holders, necessary or contemplated expansion of the facilities of the mutual water company, and further subdivision, where applicable, of the area to be served. A reasonable limitation on the salaries paid to the persons operating, or employed by, the mutual water company including officers and directors. A provision for annual meetings of the security holders accompanied by a provision for adequate notice. A provision for distributing to each security holder annually fiscal year-end financial statements within 105 days of the close of the fiscal year. In the case of a mutual water company purchasing water for distribution from a public utility, municipal water company or water district, a provision for charging all security holders a pro rata amount of the cost of water supplied to an entity providing fire protection service.

Governance of MWCs, cont.AOI Additional (Optional Provisions)Number, qualifications, term and duties of the BOD and/or officers;In the case of non-profit mutual benefit corporations, prohibitions against certain transactions which would terminate the corporations tax exempt status;A limitation on or clarification of the corporations powers and purposes (in the absence of such a limitation, the corporation has all the powers enumerated in Corp. Code 7140). E.g., Corporations Code 14301 provides that A corporation, including a nonprofit corporation organized for or engaged in the business of developing, distributing, supplying, or delivering water for irrigation or domestic use, or both, may provide in its articles, or may amend its articles to provide, that its only purpose shall be to develop, distribute, supply, or deliver water for irrigation or domestic use, or both, to its members or shareholders, at actual cost plus necessary expenses.

Governance of MWCs, cont.BylawsBylaws govern the governance and operation of a MWC.Required provisions (Corp. Code 7151(a))The number of directors (must be 1 or more). They should include rules and procedures concerning, at the least: The purpose of the MWC;Rules pertaining to membership (e.g., who is a member, transfers of membership interests, requirements for membership, removal of members, etc.);Member meetings (including notice, rules for regular and special meetings);Rules pertaining to the BOD, including:Powers of the board;Limitations on the board (e.g., super-majority or member consent actions);Election, removal and BOD vacancies;BOD meetings and meeting requirements;Standards of care;Power to delegate authority to commissions;Rules pertaining to the selection and powers of the officers;Indemnity and insurance requirements;Rules for amending the AOI and/or bylaws;Books and record keeping requirements; andProhibitions against distributions (except upon dissolution). See also, Corp. Code 7151 for more optional provisions.

Governance of MWCs Corporations Code 14300, et seq. specifically address MWCs. MWCs organized to supply domestic water may only deliver water to their shareholders. (14300.)(Notwithstanding the above or any language in the AOI or bylaws, a MWC may sell water to the state, schools, any public agency or another MWC; in addition, in the event of emergency, the MWC may sell water at cost to any person. Id.)MWCs may not distribute profits or assets to their shareholders except upon dissolution (14301(b).)MWCs have the power to levy assessments on their shareholders; if the shares are appurtenant to the land, water may be denied and the shares forfeited. (14303.)Unlike a common interest development, the MWC forecloses upon the shares themselves (thereby terminating the right to water).

Regulation of MWCsThe Department of Corporations, the Department of Real Estate, the Public Utilities Commission Regulation of MWCsMWCs formed before 1998 are subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Corporations;

MWCs formed after 1998 (where shares are sold in connection with subdivided lands) are subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Real Estate (DRE).

As a general rule, most of the regulatory work is done (or should have been done) by the original incorporator (who is usually the developer). Regulation of MWCs, cont.MWTs under jurisdiction of Department of CorporationsMWTs are corporations;When a corporation offers shares, it is selling a security (Corp. Code 25019) and it must comply with federal and state securities laws;Exemptions:Shares sold to a MWT regulated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC);Shares sold in connection with the sale of subdivided lands after 1998 (or corporations which elect to comply with 14310, et seq.)In order to issue and sell shares, all non-exempt MWCs must obtain a permit from the Department of Corporations (10 CCR 260.140.71.2.

Regulation of MWCs, cont.MWCs under jurisdiction of DRE Applies where:Shares issued in connection with sale of subdivided land after 1998; and,MWCs that elect to comply with Corp. Code 14310, et seq.Requirements (Corp. Code 14310, et seq.): The subdivider must submit an application containing:15 representations and assurances;A detailed engineers report;Certification of compliance with water supply, distribution and fire protection design standards; andOther information.

Regulation of MWCs, cont.Pursuant to AB-54 (the same legislation requiring this class), all MWCs which operate pubic water systems (defined later) must submit to their local agency formation commission (LAFCo) a map depicting the approximate boundaries of the property that the MWC serves. (Corp. Code 14301.1.) Regulation of MWCs, cont.Regulation by California PUCThe PUC regulates public utilitiesNot all MWCs are public utilities.There are two test for determining whether a MWC is a public utility and therefore subject to regulation by the PUC.The bright line test; and, The facts and circumstances test.

Regulation of MWCs, cont.The bright line test:Any corporation or association which is organized for the purpose of delivering water solely to its stockholders or members at cost, and which delivers water to others than its stockholders or members, or to the state or any department or agency thereof or any school district, or to any other mutual water company, for compensation, is a public utility and is subject to Part 1 (commencing with Section 201) and to the jurisdiction, control, and regulation of the commission. (PUC 2702.)The facts and circumstances test: whether or not those offering the service have expressly or impliedly held themselves out as engaging in the business of supplying water to the public as a class, not necessarily to all of the public, but to any limited portion of it, such portion, for example, as could be served from its system. (Samuel Edwards Associates v. Railroad Comm. (1925) 196 Cal. 62, 72.)

Regulation of MWCs, cont.Regulation by PUC, cont.Exceptions (PUC 2705) a MWC may sell water to the following persons and entities without being a public utility:Sales at cost to lessees of a shareholders shares;Sales at cost to lessees of a shareholders land;Transfers of water or water rights to any entity under state or federal law (not subject to the at cost limitation);In the event of an emergency; Pursuant to a court order or settlement; orPursuant to a contract made in exchange for water rights (or an easement for water distribution purposes). Regulation of MWCs, cont.Sales to non-shareholdersThink very, very carefully before selling water to non-shareholders (at cost or for a profit).By doing so you may:Become a public utility and subject yourself to the jurisdiction of the PUC;Lose your tax exempt status (and/or have taxable UBIT); andSubject yourself to federal and state drinking water rules and regulations (discussed later). Taxation of MWCsInternal Revenue Code 501(c)(12)Taxation of MWCsMWCs obtain their tax exempt status under 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).501(c)(12) exempts from taxation mutual ditch and irrigation companies but only if 85% of more of the income consists of amounts collected from members for the sole purpose of meeting losses and expenses.Reserves Despite the sole purpose a MWC may be entitled to exemption, although it makes advance assessments for the sole purpose of meeting future losses and expenses, provided that the balance of such assessments remaining on hand at the end of the year is retained to meet losses and expenses or is returned to members. (Treas. Reg. 1.501(c)(12)-1(a).) Limitation Reserves may not be accumulated beyond the reasonable needs of the organization's business. Whether there is an improper accumulation of funds depends upon the particular circumstances of each case. (Rev. Rul. 72-36.)Taxation of MWTs, cont.Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT)If more than 85% of a MWCs income is derived from the shareholders, it will retain its tax exempt status;However, income not derived from the MWCs shareholders may be subject to UBIT.UBIT is imposed on the net income of any (1) trade or business that is (2) regularly carried on by an exempt organization, and (3) which is not substantially related to the organizations exempt purposes. (IRC 511.)Purpose is to prevent unfair competition between for-profits and not-for-profits.

Fiduciary Duties of Board MembersThe Duty of Care and the Duty of Loyalty Fiduciary DutyWhat is a fiduciary?One who is required to act for the benefit of another person on all matters within the scope of their relationship. (Blacks Law Dictionary). In lay terms an agent is a fiduciary of his or her principal for all matters within the scope of the agency. Examples:Attorney / clientReal estate agents and brokersPartners in a partnershipEmployees to employer

Fiduciary Duty, cont.What is fiduciary dutyA duty of utmost good faith, trust, confidence and candor owed by a fiduciary; a duty to act with the highest degree of honesty and loyalty toward another person and in the best interests of the other person. (Blacks Law Dictionary.) Fiduciary duty generally encompasses two separate, but related duties:The Duty of Care; andThe Duty of Loyalty. Fiduciary Duties, cont.To whom are fiduciary duties owed?Board members and officers owe fiduciary duties to the MWC.But what about the shareholders? Fiduciary duties apply to agents, and the BOD is not necessarily the agent of the shareholders. This issue is less than clear (although there is support for it in the case law).Generally, if a board member breaches his or her fiduciary duties, the cause of action belongs to the MWC.If the MWC does not enforce its rights, the shareholders may bring what is called a derivative action against the board member in the name of the MWC.

Fiduciary Duties, cont.Does it matter if the BOD is not compensated?No! Section 7230 of the Corporations Code provides that Any duties and liabilities set forth in this article shall apply without regard to whether a director is compensated by the corporation.This obviously creates some unfairness BOD members owe fiduciary duties and may be held personally liable even though they are volunteers. Fiduciary Duties, cont.The Corporations Code does contain one section designed (allegedly) to shield against this unfairness. Section 7231.5 provides that:

There is no monetary liability on the part of, and no cause of action for damages shall arise against, any volunteer director or volunteer executive officer of a nonprofit corporation subject to this part based upon any alleged failure to discharge the person's duties as a director or officer if the duties are performed in a manner that meets all of the following criteria:

(1) The duties are performed in good faith.

(2) The duties are performed in a manner such director or officer believes to be in the best interests of the corporation.

(3) The duties are performed with such care, including reasonable inquiry, as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances.

This is the same protection available to paid BOD members in for-profit corporations! A small, illusory consolation.

Fiduciary Duties The Duty of CareAlthough not always discussed this way, a careful reading of the applicable case law shows that the duty of care has two aspects:Procedural, andSubstantive.We will address these aspects in connection with the fiduciary duties owed by the BOD (and the officers) to the MWC.

Fiduciary Duties The Duty of CareProcedural Aspects of the Duty of CareThe duty of attention:Must hold and attend meetings;Must oversee the affairs of the corporation and supervise its activities (including the activities of the other board members);Must understand how MWCs operate. Must be aware of the legal issues and rules governing MWCs and pubic water systems (if the MWC is also a public water system).Ignorance of the law is no defense (although the task can be delegated to an attorney or compliance officer); BOD members need to know the issues but not necessarily the answers. The BOD may delegate its powers, but it must exercise that power prudently and must supervise the people it has delegated power to. The BOD may rely on others for information, but only if doing so is reasonable. (Corp. Code 7231(b).)

Fiduciary Duties The Duty of CareSubstantive Aspects of the Duty of CareBOD members are held to a general negligence standard (Corp. Code 7231(a).):A director shall perform the duties of a director, including duties as a member of any committee of the board upon which the director may serve, in good faith, in a manner such director believes to be in the best interests of the corporation and with such care, including reasonable inquiry, as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances.This imposes 3 requirements. The BOD must:Act in good faith;In a manner believed to be in the best interests of the MWD; andWith the care and reasonably inquiry an ordinarily prudent person would exercise. Fiduciary Duties The Duty of CareTo satisfy (or more accurately shift) the BODs duty of care, the board may rely the opinion, reports, and statements of:The officers;Counsel and other professionals (e.g., a CPA);Other people who have professional or expert competence; orCommittees on which the director does not serve which is composed exclusive of the above (Corp. Code 7231(b).) A BOD member may conclusively reply on the opinions, reports and statements of other,s provided that the procedural duties of care are followed i.e., The persons relied upon are believed by the BOD to be reliable and competent; The delegation is made in good faith; and,There are no facts which would justify the BOD not to rely.

Fiduciary Duties The Duty of CareSubstantive Aspects of the Duty of Care, cont.:The Business Judgment Rule (BJR). A BOD member will not be liable for exercising sound business judgment.In other words, an imprudent substantive decision or an undesirable outcome is not sufficient to subject the BOD member to liability.This gets back to the procedural aspects of the duty of care assuming the decision was informed when made, the BOD will not be responsible if it later turns out that the substantive results were less than desirable. All bylaws should have some provision reciting the BJR to protect the BOD members. Fiduciary Duties The Duty of CareSubstantive Aspects of the Duty of Care, cont.:The BJR does not apply to transactions which arise:From a breach of the BOD members duty of loyalty; Conflict of interest transactions; or Self-dealing transactions. Fiduciary Duties The Duty of CareAssuming you have not already resigned your position on the BOD what can you do to protect yourself from liability? All bylaws should have the following provisions to protect its volunteer BOD from personal liability:A BJR provision;An exculpatory clause;An indemnity clause; andA requirement that the MWC obtain a policy of directors and officers insurance (D&O). Fiduciary Duties The Duty of CareWhat do these provisions accomplish:There are 2 goalsRaise the bar of actionable conduct; andShift the risk of loss to the MWC or an insurance carrier.

Fiduciary Duties The Duty of CareRaising the bar on actionable conduct:The BJR provision raises the bar on actionable conduct, and protects the BOD from informed decisions which turned out poorly.

An exculpatory clause further raises the bar. A properly drafted exculpatory clause will limit the BODs liability to grossly negligent and intentional wrongdoing. With a properly drafted exculpatory clause, a BOD member will not be liable for its active or passive negligence.

Fiduciary Duties The Duty of CareShifting the risk of lossEven after raising the bar on actionable conduct, an indemnity provision requires the MWC to defend and indemnify the BOD member. Corporations Code 7237 contains limitations on when a MWC may indemnify its BOD members. (The BOD member must act in good faith, and in a manner believed to be in the best interests of the company.) D&O insurance (like the indemnify from the MWC) is another level of protection.D&O insurance is often preferable because:The MWC will only pay premiums it will not have to pay the actual cost of defending and indemnifying the BOD. The carrier may defend and indemnify the BOD member for things that the MWC is prohibited from doing (e.g., acts not in the best interests of the MWC, or acts not undertaken in good faith). (Corp. Code 7237(i).) It is recommended that all bylaws expressly set forth that the MWCs indemnity obligations are secondary to the obligations of the D&O insurance.

Fiduciary Duties, cont.Many of the previous protections do not apply to transactions involving a breach of the BOD members duty of loyalty. BJR does not protect against breaches of the duty of loyalty;A knowing or grossly negligent conflict of interest, self-dealing of other breach of the duty of loyalty will expose the BOD to liability even with an exculpatory clause;MWCs indemnity may not apply (in many cases) since a breach of the duty of loyalty is not in good faith or the best interests of the MWC;D&O insurance (depending on the policy exclusions) may not apply. Fiduciary Duties The Duty of LoyaltyThe duty of loyalty is truly the heart of what is meant by fiduciary duties.As explained by Judge Cardozo in Meinhard v. Salmon (1928) 249 N.Y. 458, 463-64, a fiduciary owes: the duty of the finest loyalty. Many forms of conduct permissible in a workaday world for those acting at arm's length, are forbidden to those bound by fiduciary ties. A trustee is held to something stricter than the morals of the market place. Not honesty alone, but the punctilio of an honor the most sensitive, is then the standard of behavior. As to this there has developed a tradition that is unbending and inveterate. Fiduciary Duties The Duty of LoyaltySome examples of the duties of loyalty are obvious:A fiduciary holds company property as trustee for the company (i.e., no embezzling!);A fiduciary must hold confidential information in trust;Insider advantages (e.g., the payment of exorbitant salaries or other compensation);The use of company property for a private benefit on a more favorable basis that is offered to third persons.

Fiduciary Duties The Duty of LoyaltyThe duty of loyalty enters a grey zone when a fiduciary enters into a transaction with the company, or where the fiduciary competes with the company.These are not necessarily prohibited but you must tread carefully.We will examine:Transactions between a BOD member and the MWC (called conflict of interest or self-dealing transactions); andTransactions were a BOD member competes with the MWC (called corporate opportunity transactions). Fiduciary Duties Conflict of Interest TransactionsConflict of interest rules apply to any transaction between the MWC and:A BOD member;A company in which a BOD member has a material financial interest; A company on which the BOD member is also a BOD member. (Corp. Code 7233(a), (b).) A transaction where a BOD member approves the salary or compensation of another BOD member is not a conflict of interest transaction (even if the approving BOD member is also receiving compensation from the MWC). (7233(a).)

Fiduciary Duties Conflict of Interest TransactionsAll conflict of interest transactions are void or voidable (at the election of the MWC) unless:The material facts of the transaction and the BOD members interests in the transaction are fully disclosed or known to the BOD; and,The transaction is approved in good faith by a vote of the disinterested BOD members. (Corp. Code 7233(a)(1), (2).)If there is no disclosure, and no approval by a disinterested BOD, the transaction is not void if the interested BOD member proves that the transaction was just and reasonable as to the corporation at the time it was authorized, approved or ratified. (Corp. Code 7233(a)(3).) If the transaction is one which must be approved by the shareholders (as provided in the bylaws), the same disclosure must be made to the shareholders, and the transaction must be approved by a vote of the disinterested shareholders.

Fiduciary Duties Conflict of Interest TransactionsAnalyzing conflict of interest transactions:Procedural Aspects:Were all material facts concerning the interested BOD member disclosed;Was the transaction approved by a vote of the disinterested BOD;Substantive Aspects:Was the approval in good faith this inquiry may delve into substantive areas (e.g., the approval of a grossly unfair transaction strongly suggest collusion and an absence of good faith);Was the transaction just and reasonable at the time it was approved. If the disinterested BODs approval is not in good faith, or if the transaction was not just and reasonable, the interested BOD member has breached his or her duty of loyalty, and the disinterested BOD members have likely breached their duty of care. Fiduciary Duties Conflict of Interest TransactionsThe bylaws should contain provisions directly addressing conflict of interest transactions.The bylaw provisions may be more stringent that the minimum standards in Corp. Code 7233 (e.g., they may eliminate the safe harbor for undisclosed conflict of interest transactions which are just and reasonable).The MWC should also have a written conflict of interest policy (either in the bylaws or a separate document) which addresses the following:Defining what constitutes a conflict of interest transaction (which may be broader than 7233);Setting forth procedures for determining the existence of, the disclosure of, and the approval of a conflict of interest transaction;Setting forth procedures for adequately recording the conflict of interest transaction in the corporate minutes (without this there is no proof of any disclosure).Fiduciary Duties Corporate Opportunity TransactionsA fiduciary is generally prohibited from competing with the company. In the for-profit world, this would mean that a Google executive cannot simultaneously work for Apple. This has less application to BOD members because:MWCs do not usually compete with each other in the same way for-profit corporations do; andMWC BOD membership is a part time job and other positions will ordinarily not compete with the time the BOD member owes to the MWC to fulfill its duties.

Fiduciary Duties Corporate Opportunity TransactionsAs opposed to competing by joining another organization (or MWC), a BOD member may compete by taking advantage of an opportunity available to the MWC.

The Corporate Opportunity Doctrine:A fiduciary may not take advantage of a corporate opportunity without first offering the opportunity to the corporation and disclosing any conflict of interest.

Fiduciary Duties Corporate Opportunity TransactionsA corporate opportunity is an activity which the BOD member becomes aware:in connection with the performance of her functions that reasonably should lead the individual to believe that the person offering the opportunity expects it to be offered to the nonprofit; through the use of the organizations information or property and the individual should reasonably be expected to believe the activity would be of interest to the organization; orany opportunity to engage in an activity of which a director becomes aware of and knows is closely related to an activity in which the nonprofit is engaged or expects to be engaged.

Fiduciary Duties Corporate Opportunity TransactionsExamples:A BOD director knows that the MWC is looking to purchase new water rights and becomes aware that certain water rights are for sale; before buying those rights for his or her own account, the opportunity must first be offered to the MWC.A BOD member is approached about an opportunity to invest in a PUC regulated utility which will acquire the water system which provides water to the MWC; the BOD director may have an obligation to offer this opportunity to the MWC.Fiduciary Duties SummaryProcess generally trumps substanceDuty of care If the process by which the BOD arrives at a position is attentive and diligent, the BOD will likely have satisfied its duty of care, even if the position turns out to have been misguided.The BOD needs to be aware of the issues (legal and otherwise); it can then delegate the task of answering or addressing those issues to others. The BOD can even delegate the task of identifying the issues to counsel or a compliance officer. Duty of loyalty DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE.If you believe a transaction might pose a conflict of interest, always assume that it is a conflict of interest:Disclose the facts; Dont vote; andDont overreach or abuse your position of authority. Safe Drinking Water ActsFederal SDWA (42 USC 300f, et seq.)California SDWA (Cal. Health & Safety Code 116270, et seq.Safe Drinking Water ActThere are two applicable Safe Drinking Water Acts (SDWA):Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (42 USC 300f, et seq.)California Safe Drinking Water Act (Cal. Health & Safety (H&S) Code 116270, et seq.)Federal Safe Drinking Water ActThe federal SDWA was passed in 1974, and amended in 1986 and 1996The federal SDWA is found in Title 42 of the US Code (Public Health & Welfare). (42 USC 300f, et seq.)Constitutional authority for federal regulation of drinking water the Commerce Clause allows the federal government to regulate all navigable waters within the United States including man-made navigable waters. (Kaiser Aetna v. United States (1979) 444 U.S. 164.)

Federal Safe Drinking Water ActThe SDWA applies to public water systems.A public water system is a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, if such system has at least fifteen service connections or regularly serves at least twenty-five individuals (300f(4)). Private wells are generally exempt, unless they serve 25 or more people (however, the EPA has separate standards for private wells). There is a key limitation to the applicability of the SDWA which we will discuss later. Federal Safe Drinking Water ActOverview of the SDWAThe SDWA authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to administer the SDWA and to set federal safe drinking water standards. (300g-1.)States are primarily responsible for the enforcement and administration of the EPAs standards, provided that the state has adopted the EPAs standards (or more stringent standards of its own). (300g-2.)All states except Wyoming have adopted their own standardsGenerally, Californias standards are more stringent that the EPAsFederal Safe Drinking Water ActOverview of SDWA, cont.The EPA sets guidelines for:Safe drinking water standards (including variances and exemptions);Monitoring procedures;Procedures for certification of operators of public water systems;Setting technical, managerial and financial capacities for public water systems formed after 1999;Grants and funding for implementation of the SDWA.In general, the SDWA lays out topics for the EPA to regulate; the substance of the rules are therefore found in the EPAs regulations which are codified in 40 C.F.R. 141, et seq.

Federal Safe Drinking Water ActSafe Drinking Water StandardsThe EPA has a list of 90 contaminants.These contaminants are:Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural application, and septic systems.Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Federal Safe Drinking Water ActSafe Drinking Water Standards, cont.The EPA then sets standards for each of the contaminants by:Setting Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MGLC); Setting Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL), or, if there is not method of measuring a MCL, by setting a Treatment Technique (TT) for the contaminant. Federal Safe Drinking Water ActSafe Drinking Water Standards, cont.The MCLG is non-binding it is a goal.The MCLG is level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health.Under the California SDWA the MCLG is called the public health goal (PHG). The MCL is binding.The MCL is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking waterIn some instances, the EPA or the state may issue a variance or an exemption from the MCL. Generally the MCL level is set as close as economically and technologically possible to the MCLG. The TT is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water (used where there is no reliable means of measuring the MCL).

Federal Safe Drinking Water ActSafe Drinking Water Standards, cont.The EPA sets both primary and secondary water standardsPrimary drinking water standards include:MCLs for contaminants that affect health;Monitoring and reporting requirements; andWater treatment requirements.Secondary drinking water standards include:MCLs for aesthetic characteristics (e.g., color, taste and odor) which may affect the consumers acceptance of their water supply. Federal Safe Drinking Water ActTwo key portions of the SDWA are the Consumer Confidence Report (300g-3(c)(4); 41 CFR 141.151, et seq.), and the Public Notification Rule (41 CFR 141.201, et seq.)These requirements in California are found at 22 CFR 66480 (the Consumer Confidence Report) and Health & Safety Code 116450, et seq. (the Public Notification Rule).Federal Safe Drinking Water ActThe Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)Public water systems are required to issue by mail an annual report (due July 1 for the prior calendar year).For public water systems with fewer than 10,000 customers, the CCR may be published in a local newspaper. Purpose:Improve public health protection by providing educational material to allow consumers to make educated decisions regarding any potential health risks pertaining to the quality, treatment, and management of their drinking water supply.

Federal Safe Drinking Water ActThe Consumer Confidence Report, cont. Required ContentWater system information (name of contact person);Source of water (describe where the water comes from);Definitions (e.g., MCL, MCLG, TT);A table summarizing all detected contaminants, including:The MCLs and MCLGs for those contaminants;Known sources of the contaminants; andHealth effects of the contaminants Information on monitoring for Cryptosporidium, Radon, and other contaminants (if detected);Compliance with other drinking water regulations;Whether there are any variances or exemptions in place; andCertain educational information (including an explanation of contaminants in drinking water and bottled water; information to vulnerable populations about Cryptosporidium; statements on nitrate, arsenic, and lead.

Federal Safe Drinking Water ActThe Consumer Confidence Report, cont. Optional ContentAn explanation or diagram of the treatment process;Source water protection efforts;Water conservation tips;The costs of making water safe to drink;Information to educate customers about taste and odor issues;Information about opportunities for pubic participation.

Federal Safe Drinking Water ActThe Public Notice Rule (PNR)Public water systems must notify consumers if the public water system violates a national primary drinking water regulation or has a situation posing a risk to public health.Notice must be provided to all persons served.Purpose:To notify the public about violations and situations which may pose a risk to public health. When the notice must be provided depends on the tier to which the violation is assigned.There are 3 tiers

Federal Safe Drinking Water ActPNR, cont.Tier 1 ViolationsRequires public notice immediately (within 24 hours).Notice must be issued via radio, TV, hand delivery, posting or some other method to ensure that everyone is notified. Applies to:Samples containing fecal coliform or E. coli;The presence of nitrate or nitrite above the MCL level;Chlorine dioxide maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL) level violation;Any waterborne disease outbreak; andThe detection of E. coli, enterococci or coliphage in ground water source samples. Federal Safe Drinking Water ActPNR, cont.Tier 2 ViolationsRequire public notice as soon as practicable (within 30 days).Notice must be issued by mail, posting or direct delivery.Applies to:All MCL, MRDL and TT violations (unless Tier 1 notice is required);Certain monitoring violations;Failure to comply with variance or exemption conditions; Failures to comply with certain corrective action plans imposed by the state or EPA. Federal Safe Drinking Water ActPNR, cont.Tier 3 ViolationsRequires annual notice (usually provided in the CCR).Notice must be issued by mail, posting or direct delivery.Applies to:All monitoring or testing procedure violations (unless they are Tier 2 violations);Whether a system is operating under a variance or exemption;Also required to provide notice for availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring results (i.e., the contaminants which are technically not regulated by the EPA or state). Federal Safe Drinking Water ActPNR, cont.Each notice give pursuant to the PNR must contain:A description of the violation or situation, including the contaminant(s) of concern, and (as applicable) the contaminant level(s);When the violation occurred;The population at risk (including subpopulations which may be particularly vulnerable);Whether alternative water sources should be used;Actions consumers should take;What the public water system is doing to correct the violation;When the public water system expects to return to compliance;The name of the contact person; andA statement encouraging recipients to distribute the notice to others.

Federal Safe Drinking Water ActCase Examples: 1. The 2011 Vallejo CCR; 2. 2005 EPA Administrative Order to Vallejo for SDWA violations. California SDWACalifornia SDWA is codified in the Health and Safety Code (H&S) 116270, et seq.For the most part, the California SDWA works like the federal SDWAThe SDWA grants authority to the Department of Health Services (DHS) to promulgate regulations. The lengthy and complex regulations are found in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, primarily in the Waterworks regulations found at 22 CCR 64551, et seq. DHS may delegate primary administrative and enforcement responsibility to a local health officer authorized by a county board of supervisors.California SDWAPublic water systems subject to SDWA must obtain a permit from DHS. (H&S 116525.) The permit application must include a technical report including:Detailed plans and specifications;Water quality information; Physical descriptions of the existing or proposed system; and,Financial assurance information (H&S 116530.) This permit is in addition to the permit required by the Department of Corporations and/or the DRE. California SDWAAll public water systems subject to SDWA must(H&S 116555):Comply with DHS primary and secondary drinking water standards;Not be subject to backflow under normal operating conditions;Provide a reliable and adequate supply of pure, wholesome, healthful and potable water;Employ or utilize only water distribution operators who have been certified by DHS; andPlace the direct supervision of the water system (both treatment and distribution) under the charge of an operator holding a valid certificate from the DHS.

California SDWAOperator requirements apply to:Water treatment operators; andWater distribution operators. The type of certification required depends on the classification of the treatment and/or distribution facility classification. The classification of water treatment facilities depends on the number of points pursuant to 22 CCR 64413.1. There are 5 classifications ranging from T1 (smallest) to T5 (largest).The classification of water distribution facilities depends on the population served (66413.3), and ranges from D1 (under 1000 population) to D5 (more than 5 million).

California SDWAEach public water system must designate:Water treatment operators:One chief operator, and one shift operator, one of whom must be on-site or able to be contacted within one hour. (64413.5.)Water distribution operators:One chief operator, and one shift operator, one of whom must be on-site or able to be contacted within one hour. (64413.7.)All operators must be certified.

California SDWACertification of Treatment Operators (22 CCR 63775.)Operators must take and pass an exam. (63800; see also, 63785-95 for more exam information.) In order to take an exam (for a T1 certificate), the operator must:Have a high school degree (or GED), and either:Complete the Basic Small Water Systems Operations course provided by DHS; or, Have one year as an operator of a facility that required an understanding of chemical feeds, hydraulic systems, and pumps. For certificates above T1, the operators are required to take a number of specialized training courses (depending on the system classification). California SDWACertification of Distribution Operators (22 CCR 63780.)Operators must take and pass an exam. (638805; see also, 63785-95 for more information on exams.) In order to take an exam (for a D1 certificate), the operator must:Have a high school degree (or GED); and either:Complete the Basic Small Water Systems Operations course provided by DHS; or,Have one year as an operator of a facility that required an understanding of chemical feeds, hydraulic systems, and pumps. For certificates above D1, the operators are required to take a number of specialized training courses (depending on the system classification).

California SDWAAll required sample collections and field tests must be performed by:DHS;A laboratory certified by DHS; orA certified water treatment operator (22 CCR 64415). All required analyses must be performed by laboratories certified by DHS (id.) California SDWACertified distribution operators must be utilized for the following decisions (22 CCR 63770(b)-(d)):To install, disinfect, test and connect water mains;Shutdown, repair, disinfection and testing of broken water mains;Overseeing the flushing, cleaning and pigging of existing water mains; Stand-by emergency response duties;Drain, clean, disinfect and maintain distribution reservoirs;Operate pumps and related flow and pressure control and storage facilities;Maintain or adjust system flow and pressure requirements; andInvestigate water quality problems in the distribution system.Application of SDWAAs mentioned earlier, there is an important limitation to the applicability of the federal and California SDWAs. Even if a system is a public water system, the SDWA does not apply to systems which meet all of the following criteria:Consists only of distribution and storage facilities and does not have any collection and treatment facilities; Obtains all of its water from a public water system to which the SDWA applies; andDoes not sell water to any person or user.Important limitation the sale of water does not include: the sale of water, obtained from a public water system that is subject to this chapter, through a submetered distribution system if each user of the system is charged no more than the rate the user would be charged by the public water systemApplication of SDWATo summarize, the requirements of the SDWA do not apply if:You only operate a distribution and storage system no water collection or treatment facilities;You get all your water from a public water system (e.g., the City of Vallejo); andYou sell your water at cost through a sub-metered distribution system. Application of SDWAHas this entire exercise been a waste?Hopefully not. We can use all of the foregoing information to develop and implement reasonable practices which should ensure safe and reliable drinking water for our particular needs. With that, we now turn to long term maintenance of public water systems. The goal of the next section is to cover some recommended practices which can feasibly be done by small mutual water companies which do not treat or collect water. Long Term Maintenance of Public Water SystemsBest Practices for Small MWCsLong Term Maintenance of Public Water SystemsThis class is designed for board members, not water treatment or distribution operators.As discussed earlier, the board has a duty of care. That duty includes the duty to be aware of the issues.Once the board is aware of the issues, it can delegate responsibility to others who are trained in the subject matter. Long Term Maintenance of Public Water SystemsA major first step is to have a properly functioning MWC and to know how MWCs are managed and operated.We have discussed:The management of a MWC by the board;The role of the officers;The rules governing mutual benefit corporations;Some of the specific rules governing MWCs;The regulation of MWCs by the Department of Corporations, the DRE and PUC; Taxation of MWCs; The fiduciary duties of board members and officers; andThe SDWAs. Just being aware of these issues is a huge step. It allows you to ask the right questions and seek answers from qualified professions. Remember the board must be aware of the issues; it can then delegate responsibility to others.

Long Term Maintenance of Public Water SystemsFunding a MWC.Undercapitalizing your MWC is a sure way of breaching your fiduciary duty. MWCs are authorized to levy assessments on the shareholders (Corp. Code 14303.)The assessments must be used to:Pay for operating costs; andCapital costs.Capital costs must be placed into a reserve account to meet the long term needs of the MWC. Long Term Maintenance of Public Water SystemsUnlike common interest developments, there are no rules for creating reserves.Nevertheless, the rules for common interest developments (found in Davis-Stirling, Cal. Civ. Code 1350, et seq.) are instructive and should generally be adopted as best practices. Long Term Maintenance of Public Water SystemsReserve Studies (from Davis-Stirling):Prepare a reserve study every 3 years based on a diligent visual inspection of the major components of the MWC.Major components are components with a service life of 30 years of less (although components with a life of 30 years or more may be included);The reserve study should include:An identification of the major components;A determination of the remaining useful life of the major components;The cost of maintaining or replacing the major components over the next 30 years;An estimate of the annual contribution necessary to meet the costs of maintenance and replacement; andA reserve funding plan indicating how the MWC plans to fund the reserves. Long Term Maintenance of Public Water SystemsReserve Studies (from Davis-Stirling), cont.Assessments levied to fund the reserves should be placed in a separate account and not comingled with the operating account of the MWC. Who should prepare the reserve study? Although not required, generally the reserve study should be prepared by an expert, such as:An engineer; A licensed contractor; or,A certified water distribution or treatment operator.Remember the board must be aware of the requirement; it can then delegate the task to qualified professionals.

Long Term Maintenance of Public Water SystemsRecommended Best Practices Review AOI and Bylaws Make required changes;Make non-required changes (which are now required for new MWC). (See, Corporate Code 14312(a)(13)(A)-(L) and (10 CCR 260.140.71.2.)Include provisions for the protection of the BOD and the officers;Adopt a conflict of interest policy for BOD members. Prepare reserve studyShould be done by qualified professional (engineer, contractor, distribution operator);Adjust assessments to ensure long term funding consistent with reserve policy.

Long Term Maintenance of Public Water SystemsRecommended Best Practices, cont.Ideally, the MWC should have one member who gets a D1 certification for operating the distribution system.In the alternative, the MWC may contract with a qualified D1 operator as a consultant.To test or not to test?Testing under the SDWA is technically not required; however, if you do test, you can possibly expose yourself to liability for failing to correct violations or for failing to notify your shareholders of the violations. If the MWC elects to test, it should have one member get a T1 certification and that member should perform the testing.

Long Term Maintenance of Public Water SystemsRecommended Best Practices, cont. If you test, what should you test for?Ask your certified treatment system operator.Following the small water system monitoring regulations as a potential safe harbor (22 CCR 64212-17):Test for coliform bacteria every 3 months; One test for fluoride, iron, manganese, chloride, total dissolved solids and certain inorganic chemicals.All tests should be performed by certified laboratories in accordance with EPA approved methods (22 CCR 64415; H&S 116390).

SummaryWhat to take from this class?SummaryThis class is designed to educate you as to the vast array of legal issues facing a MWC, including:Its governing documents;Regulatory requirements for operating a MWC;Management and operation of a MWC;Monitoring and testing under the SDWAs; andFunding a functioning MWC.

SummaryBoard members do not have to be (and cannot be expected to be) experts on all or any of these issues.However, the biggest challenge of a BOD member is to identify issues so that they may:Ask the right questions; andSeek answers from qualified people. Doing this generally will discharge the BODs responsibility, and frankly, will make your small MWC far more legally and operationally functional than the vast majority of MWCs. LinksNapa County LAFCo: http://www.napa.lafco.ca.gov/Solano County LAFCo: http://www.solanolafco.com/Certified Water Treatment and Water Distribution Operator Information: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/occupations/Pages/DWopcert.aspx Certified Laboratory Information: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/labs/Pages/ELAP.aspx California Drinking Water Information: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/drinkingwater/Pages/default.aspxPrivate Water Law Blog (good for updates on water law): http://privatewaterlaw.com/

DisclaimerThe information contained in this class and material is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. The transmission of information from this class and material and/or any other communication with us through this class or material does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to do so. No recipients of content from this class or material, clients or otherwise, should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this website without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an attorney licensed in the recipient's state. This class and material contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments, verdicts or settlements.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: Any tax advice or commentary on this website is not is not intended or written to be used or relied upon, and cannot be used or relied upon, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.Contact InformationStephen M. Flynn, JD, LLMFlynn | Williams | Riley LLP1010 B Street, Suite 200San Rafael, CA 94901sflynn@fwrlaw.com

For more information, visit: www.formation2liquidation.com