Rush Creek Mutual Water Company (RCMWC) was formally incorporated when its Articles of Incorporation were filed on May 12, 1971. The Articles had been executed and notarized earlier, on April 20, 1971.
Founding Directors
Following its incorporation, RCMWC was led by its first three directors: Victor Guynup, Dorothea T. Guynup, and Lois M. Sheely.
Corporate Structure and Shares
RCMWC operates as a general corporation and California Mutual Water Company, supplying water at cost exclusively to its shareholders. Shareholders of the company shall be limited to the owner or owners of one lot or parcel of real property. Each share is appurtenant to a specific lot or parcel within the designated service area, and the corporation is authorized to issue up to five hundred shares. Shares cannot be sold or transfereed separately from the underlying real property.
Purpose and Service Area
RCMWC’s mutual water company structure supports its primary purpose: delivering water on a non-profit, at-cost basis exclusively to its shareholders for use on certain real properties located in Trinity County, California. To carry out this purpose, RCMWC may acquire, develop, and operate a permanent water supply; construct, acquire, and operate pumping plants, water storage facilities, and water distribution systems; and take any other necessary or convenient actions to deliver water to shareholders. The directors shall establish a rate structure that both reflects the cost of furnishing water to shareholders and supports a fund for replenishing the corporation’s water distribution facilities.
Watermaster Responsibilities and Certification
RCMWC contracts a Watermaster to supervise and maintain the operation, treatment, and distribution of water to shareholders, and assist in the installation of pipelines and water connections, keep records, and submit necessary tests and reports to meet state and federal requirements. The Watermaster must have a T2 or higher Water Treatment Operator Certification rating and a D1 or higher Water Distribution Operator Certification from the California Department of Water Resources, which must be renewed every three years. T2 renewal requires completion of at least sixteen hours of continuing education and D1 renewal requires completion of at least twelve hours of continuing education.
Officers and Terms of Office
The Officers of the Company consist of a President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. One person may hold two or more offices except that of President. Any office, except President and Secretary, may be left unfilled for any period at the discretion of the Officers. Each Officer shall hold office from July 1 to June 30 of the following year.
Annual Shareholder Meeting and Elections
The annual meeting of shareholders shall be held in May of each year for the purpose of electing Officers. Officers will be elected by a plurality vote of the shareholders present at the election meeting or by proxy.