In 1913, AMWC was deeded all water rights within its service area to hold in trust for its shareholders.  As trustee, AMWC has the authority and responsibility to manage these groundwater resources. 

AMWC has a policy that restricts the drilling and use of private wells within its service area.  AMWC's intent is to protect the groundwater resources of the shareholders and provide for the equitable distribution of these resources.  AMWC allows the drilling and use of some private wells in those areas where the wells are not likely to have significant impacts on the groundwater resources of AMWC.  AMWC prohibits the drilling and use of new wells in areas that overlie the Atascadero Sub-basin, the alluvial deposits of the Salinas River, or other areas that could significantly impact the quantity, quality, or recharge of groundwater.