Silver Wright News Today

According to a summary of the judgment provided to Big Basin customers by the Central Coast Water Board, the Moore's have been prohibited from ever operating, managing or owning a wastewater system in the future and are personally liable for up to $750,000 in civil penalties.

For years, the Big Basin Water Company has failed to deliver reliable, clean water to its customers. A possible solution was in sight for its 1,200 customers after the courts stepped in and a new private utility company was anticipated to buy the water system. But in an abrupt announcement made on Friday, the prospective buyer said the deal is off.

"I don't take this appointment lightly," said Judge Timothy Volkmann to a courthouse crowd of roughly 30, many of whom were Big Basin customers. "There's ample evidence to appoint a receiver."