Project Aquashield—Launches January 1st
Project Aquashield/JPRIMA officially launched on January 1st, 2026, to provide comprehensive coverage for California's investor-owned water utilities.
Introduction: What is Project Aquasheild?
Project Aquashield is a specialized initiative designed to deliver broad, stable, and cost-efficient risk coverage to California's investor-owned water utilities through a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) structure. Developed in collaboration with the California Water Association (CWA) and CalMutuals JPRIMA, Project Aquashield ensures a sustainable, transparent, and mutually beneficial risk-management model for the state's essential water systems.
The California Water Association (CWA) and CalMutuals JPRIMA announced the official launch of Project Aquashield on January 1st, 2026. The JPRIMA is a new statewide risk-management authority providing tailored insurance and risk-pooling solutions for California's investor-owned water utilities.
“We’re thrilled to bring Project AquaShield to life. A program built for water utilities by people who understand them. It reflects our collective commitment to protecting our members, their customers, and California’s precious water resources.”
How it Works
Project Aquashield offers a $10 million primary liability limit program covering property, limited pollution, water/wastewater testing E&O, failure to supply, lead, waterborne asbestos, SCADA upgrades ($100k allowance), and inverse condemnation. It operates under a unique "no shared limits, no shared liability" model, ensuring each member maintains complete control and individual coverage protection.
Program Highlights
$10 million primary liability limit
Water and wastewater testing errors & omissions coverage
Blanket Property
Limited Pollution Coverage
Failure to Supply
Lead and Waterborne Asbestos
SCADA Upgrade Allowance ($100k)
Inverse Condemnation Coverage
Floating Excess Over All Lines
No Shared Limits or Liabilities
Learn More
Visit www.projectaquashield.org to learn more about the program. Access to this program is available exclusively through:
David J. McNeil, ARM
Principal, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
david.mcneil@epicbrokers.com
Cell: 714.856.4221
“This initiative changes the landscape for California’s investor-owned water utilities. It’s built for the realities of today’s water operations and tomorrow’s challenges.”
