SAN JOSE, CA., March 23, 2016 -- California Water Service (Cal Water), the largest subsidiary of California Water Service Group, has received approval the company's first patent (US #9272928), for a device that helps protect the environment by preventing overflows of chlorinated water that is potentially harmful to fish and wildlife.
Before a "tank overflow dechlorinating assembly and method" technology was created, chlorinated water from storage tanks could overflow into creeks, rivers, and streams if the tank's electronic shutoff mechanism ever failed. With no available backup safety device on the market, the chlorinated water overflows could negatively impact the local environment. Chlorine is used in water as a disinfectant to make it safe for human consumption but can also impact fish and wildlife.
The invention of the assembly provides a second layer of security and a tailor-made solution for water storage tanks, as it attaches directly to the overflow pipe and delivers dechlorination tablets, held inside the unit, to dechlorinate any overflowing water. After the water has been through the dechlorination process, it greatly reduces the risk to the local environment.
"We are proud to have employees who thought critically about how to solve this environmental concern, instead of accepting overflows as a risk," said President and Chief Executive Martin A. Kropelnicki. "Our employees -- and the strength and innovation they have as a team -- have made Cal Water a leader in providing our customers, communities, and environment with quality, service, and value."
With this patent, Cal Water can help other water companies and government agencies prevent chlorinated overflow at their tank sites. According to Kropelnicki, any revenue or royalties received from the device would also benefit Cal Water customers in future lower rates.
California Water Service Group is the parent company of California Water Service, Washington Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service Company, Hawaii Water Service Company, Inc., CWS Utility Services, and HWS Utility Services. Together these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water service to approximately 2 million people in more than 100 California, Washington, New Mexico, and Hawaii communities. Group's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CWT." Additional information is available online at www.calwatergroup.com.
