Sacramento developer Angelo Tsakopoulos is buying a controlling-interest in the 17,000 acre ranch…and the water that comes with it. Tsakopoulos plans to sell much of the water to a Southern California water agency…and Davis and Woodland want access to the water before it goes south.

John Edwards is a reporter covering the story for The Davis Enterprise. Edwards told Capital Public Radio's Insight that Davis and Woodland see this as a secure source of clean water for the future…if and when they need it.

"…and they will need it. The two cities are one of the few that rely solely on ground water and that ground water doesn't meet looming state requirements for wastewater discharges. Those kick into effect I believe in 2017 and they expect to have the project online in 2016."

Under the deal approved by the Davis and Woodland city councils, the two cities will pay Tsakopoulos $80 million for the water over 24-years.  

Critics say the plan is being rushed and deserves more public input and oversight.