Global Water Resources (GWRS) 10-Q 9 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Nov. 09, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	GWRS
Entity Registrant Name	Global Water Resources, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,434,728
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		19,631,266

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Property, plant and equipment	$ 285,623	$ 273,366
Less accumulated depreciation	(73,786)	(72,877)
Net property, plant and equipment	211,837	200,489
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	7,838	20,498
Accounts receivable — net	1,588	1,471
Due from affiliates	494	333
Accrued revenue	1,886	1,619
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	914	819
Total current assets	12,720	24,740
OTHER ASSETS:
Intangible assets — net	12,772	12,772
Regulatory asset	27	110
Bond service fund and other restricted cash	440	228
Equity method investment	375	480
Total other assets	13,614	13,590
TOTAL ASSETS	238,171	238,819
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	241	1,791
Accrued expenses	8,827	7,602
Deferred revenue	2	1
Customer and meter deposits	1,401	1,482
Long-term debt and capital leases — current portion	8	25
Total current liabilities	10,479	10,901
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt and capital leases	114,355	114,317
Deferred regulatory gain - ICFA	19,739	19,740
Regulatory liability	7,859	7,859
Advances in aid of construction	62,263	61,996
Contributions in aid of construction — net	4,433	4,585
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	3,719	2,585
Acquisition liability	934	934
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,005	913
Total noncurrent liabilities	214,307	212,929
Total liabilities	224,786	223,830
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 13)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized; 19,631,266 and 19,581,266 shares issued as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	196	196
Paid in capital	15,547	18,968
Accumulated deficit	(2,358)	(4,175)
Total shareholders' equity	13,385	14,989
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 238,171	$ 238,819

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	19,631,266	19,581,266

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
REVENUES:
Water services	$ 4,165	$ 4,067	$ 10,847	$ 10,703
Wastewater and recycled water services	4,284	4,093	12,502	11,822
Unregulated revenues	23	20	59	60
Total revenues	8,472	8,180	23,408	22,585
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operations and maintenance	1,574	1,561	4,499	4,769
Operations and maintenance - related party	366	467	1,091	1,403
General and administrative	2,012	1,741	7,031	6,788
Depreciation	1,710	1,524	5,164	4,751
Total operating expenses	5,662	5,293	17,785	17,711
OPERATING INCOME	2,810	2,887	5,623	4,874
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income	4	5	14	12
Interest expense	(1,272)	(1,315)	(3,889)	(10,595)
Other	439	436	1,127	1,866
Other - related party	(12)	72	169	(70)
Total other expense	(841)	(802)	(2,579)	(8,787)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	1,969	2,085	3,044	(3,913)
INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT	(766)	(800)	(1,227)	1,353
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 1,203	$ 1,285	$ 1,817	$ (2,560)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06	$ 0.07	$ 0.09	$ (0.13)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	0.06	0.07	0.09	(0.13)
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.21	$ 0.20
Weighted average number of common shares used in the determination of:
Basic (in shares)	19,617,951	19,581,266	19,596,467	19,000,566
Diluted (in shares)	19,667,141	19,610,604	19,632,196	19,000,566

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2017 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit
BALANCE at the beginning, SHARES at Dec. 31, 2016		19,581,266
BALANCE, at the beginning at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 14,989	$ 196	$ 18,968	$ (4,175)
Dividend declared $0.21 per share	(4,024)		(4,024)
Merger of GWRC	53		53
Stock option exercise (in shares)		50,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised	375		375
Stock compensation	175		175
Net income	1,817			1,817
BALANCE at the end, SHARES at Sep. 30, 2017		19,631,266
BALANCE, at the end at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 13,385	$ 196	$ 15,547	$ (2,358)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.21	$ 0.20

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 1,817	$ (2,560)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred compensation	1,229	1,470
Depreciation	5,164	4,751
Write-off of debt issuance costs	0	2,165
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and discounts	33	417
Loss on sale of Willow Valley	0	54
Loss on equity investment	106	333
Other (gains) and losses	17	(966)
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	87	45
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	1,134	(1,618)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition related purchase accounting adjustments:
Accounts receivable	(197)	(422)
Other current assets	(523)	(981)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	(635)	(627)
Other noncurrent assets	80	91
Other noncurrent liabilities	(32)	16
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,280	2,168
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	(16,602)	(4,513)
Proceeds from the sale of Willow Valley	0	2,254
(Deposits) withdrawals of restricted cash, net	(212)	119
Other cash flows from investing activities	0	13
Net cash used in investing activities	(16,814)	(2,127)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends paid	(4,012)	(3,734)
Advances in aid of construction	435	234
Proceeds from stock option exercise	375	0
Principal payments under capital lease	(80)	(108)
Refunds of advances for construction	(844)	(783)
Loan borrowings	0	115,000
Repayments of bond debt	0	(106,695)
Proceeds withdrawn from bond service fund	0	8,825
Proceeds from sale of stock	0	8,372
Payment of Sonoran acquisition liability	0	(2,800)
Debt issuance costs paid	0	(760)
Payments of offering costs for sale of stock	0	(2,823)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(4,126)	14,728
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(12,660)	14,769
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Beginning of period	20,498	11,513
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – End of period	$ 7,838	$ 26,282

Interim Financial Statements

Interim Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Interim Financial Statements	INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation – The condensed consolidated financial statements of Global Water Resources, Inc. (the “Company”, “GWRI”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) and related disclosures as of September 30, 2017 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are unaudited. The December 31, 2016 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of their application as the Company’s most recent annual consolidated financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 . In our opinion, these financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement of the results for the interim period. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year, due to the seasonality of our business. The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The U.S. dollar is the Company’s reporting currency and functional currency. The Company qualifies as an “emerging growth company”, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), under the rules and regulations of the SEC. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. The Company elected to take advantage of these provisions for up to five years or such earlier time that the Company is no longer an emerging growth company. The Company has elected to take advantage of some of the reduced disclosure obligations regarding financial statements. Also, as an emerging growth company the Company can elect to delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies. The Company has chosen to take advantage of this extended accounting transition provision. Corporate Transactions — Sale of certain MXA and WMA contracts — In September 2013, the Company sold its Wastewater Facilities Main Extension Agreements (“MXA”) and Offsite Water Management Agreements (“WMA") for the contemplated Loop 303 service area along with their related rights and obligations to EPCOR Water Arizona Inc. (“EPCOR”) (collectively the “Transfer of Project Agreement”, or “Loop 303 Contracts”). Pursuant to the Transfer of Project Agreement, EPCOR agreed to pay GWRI approximately $4.1 million over a multi-year period. As part of the consideration, GWRI agreed to complete certain engineering work required in the WMAs, which work had been completed prior to January 1, 2015. As the engineering work has been completed, the Company effectively has no further obligations under the WMAs, the MXAs, or the Transfer of Project Agreement. Prior to January 1, 2015, the Company had received $2.8 million of proceeds and recognized income of approximately $3.3 million within other income (expense) in the statement of operations related to the gain on sale of these agreements and the proceeds received prior to January 1, 2015 for engineering work required in the WMAs. The Company received additional proceeds of approximately $296,000 in April 2015 and recognized those amounts as income at that time. Receipt of the remaining $1.0 million of proceeds will be recorded as additional income over time as certain milestones are met between EPCOR and the developers/landowners. S ale of Willow Water Valley Co., Inc. — On March 23, 2015, the Company reached an agreement to sell the operations and assets of Willow Valley Water Company, Inc. (“Willow Valley”) to EPCOR. EPCOR purchased the operations, assets, and rights used by Willow Valley to operate the utility system for $2.3 million . The transaction was approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission (“ACC”) on March 10, 2016, and the transaction closed on May 9, 2016. Per ASC 360-10-45-9, Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the assets and liabilities of Willow Valley were determined to meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale beginning with our March 31, 2015 consolidated financial statements. The criteria utilized to make this determination were: (i) management had the authority and had entered into an agreement to sell the assets of Willow Valley; (ii) the assets and liabilities were available for immediate sale in their present condition; (iii) the approval from the ACC was probable within the next year; (iv) a reasonable price had been agreed upon; and (v) it was unlikely that significant changes to the agreement would occur prior to approval. In consideration of ASC 205-20-45-1, the Willow Valley transaction did not meet the criteria for discontinued operations as the transaction did not change the services provided nor the manner in which the Company operates. Therefore, it was determined the transaction did not represent a strategic shift. A loss of $54,000 was recognized upon close of the sale of Willow Valley in the second quarter of 2016. Merger with GWR Global Water Resources Corp. (“GWRC”) — On May 3, 2016, the Company completed the merger of GWRC into GWRI. At the time of the merger, GWRC ceased to exist as a British Columbia corporation and the Company continued as the surviving entity of the merger. See Note 7 – “Transactions with Related Parties”. In conjunction with the merger of GWRC into GWRI, the Company recorded $731,000 in accounts payable and $353,000 in deferred compensation on the books of GWRI that were previously recorded at GWRC. In addition to these liabilities, the Company also recorded an approximate $1.4 million tax liability associated with the transfer of GWRC from Canada to the United States, which liability has since been settled. A corresponding reduction in paid in capital was recorded with the merging of these liabilities into GWRI. The 8,726,747 outstanding common shares of the Company held by GWRC, and acquired by the Company at the time of merger, were recorded as treasury stock and were retired in December 2016. Initial Public Offering — On April 27, 2016, the SEC declared effective the registration statement relating to the public offering of our common stock. On May 3, 2016, the Company completed the initial public offering of 1,164,800 shares of common stock at $6.25 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $7.3 million (the “U.S. IPO”). The Company granted the underwriter the option to purchase up to an additional 174,720 shares of common stock at the same price, which was exercised by the underwriter on May 11, 2016, for additional gross proceeds of $1.1 million . Our shares of common stock are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols “GWRS” and “GWR”, respectively. Sonoran Acquisition Liability — On March 17, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with Sonoran Utility Services, LLC (“Sonoran”) to amend certain provisions of the purchase and sale agreement related to the acquisition of Sonoran’s assets on June 15, 2005. The amended agreement allowed the Company to reduce its original $3.8 million acquisition liability due to Sonoran by approximately $1.0 million to $2.8 million , if the Company settled the amount due within ten days of the closing of the note purchase agreement relating to the issuance of the Company's senior secured notes (“Note Purchase Agreement”), see Note 9 – “Debt – 2016 Senior Secured Notes”. The Note Purchase Agreement closed on June 24, 2016 and the Sonoran liability was subsequently settled in June 2016. Upon settlement of the Sonoran acquisition liability, the Company recorded a gain of $954,000 in other income. Private Letter Ruling — On June 2, 2016, the Company received a Private Letter Ruling from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that, for purposes of deferring the approximately $19.4 million gain realized from the condemnation of the operations and assets of Valencia Water Company, determined that the assets converted upon the condemnation of such assets could be replaced through certain reclamation facility improvements contemplated by the Company under Internal Revenue Code §1033 as property similar or related in service or use. In June 2016, the Company converted all operating subsidiaries from corporations to limited liability companies to take full advantage of the benefits of such ruling. Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code §1033, the Company may defer the gain on condemnation through the end of 2017. On April 18, 2017, the Company filed a request for a one -year extension to defer the gain to the end of 2018, which the IRS approved on August 8, 2017. Following the approval of the extension, the Company has slightly modified the timing of certain planned investments within its capital improvement plan in accordance with Internal Revenue Code §1033. Accordingly, the Company expects that these investments will be substantially completed in 2017, with the remaining improvements to be completed in early 2018. As a result of the Private Letter Ruling, the Company increased capital expenditures in 2017 as compared to recent years, and expects corresponding reductions to occur in 2018, 2019, and beyond. As of September 30, 2017 , our deferred tax liability relating to the Valencia Water Company condemnation was approximately $10.5 million . Acquisition of Eagletail Water Company — On May 15, 2017, the Company acquired Eagletail Water Company ("Eagletail") via merger. Eagletail, a small water utility located west of metropolitan Phoenix, adds approximately 55 active water connections and six square miles of approved service area to the Company’s existing regional service footprint. Total consideration was approximately $80,000 . As part of the transaction, the Company acquired assets of approximately $80,000 and assumed liabilities of approximately $78,000 . Significant Accounting Policies Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share — As of September 30, 2017 , the Company had 740,000 options outstanding to acquire shares of the Company's common stock. The 275,000 options outstanding from the 2016 option grant provide 49,190 and 35,729 common share equivalents for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, which were included within the calculation of diluted earnings per share for each respective period. The 465,000 options outstanding from the 2017 option grant were not included within the 2017 dilutive earnings per share calculations, as to do so would be antidilutive. As of September 30, 2016 , the 325,000 options outstanding from the 2016 option grant provided 29,338 and 15,189 common share equivalents for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. The 29,338 share equivalents were included within the dilutive earnings per share calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2016 . The 15,189 share equivalents were not included within the dilutive earnings per share calculation for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , as to do so would be antidilutive in periods of net loss. See Note 11 – “Deferred Compensation Awards” for additional information regarding the option grants. Immaterial Correction of an Error in Previously Issued Financial Statements — Subsequent to the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company identified prior period misstatements in stock compensation expense that resulted in the overstatement of general and administrative expense in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. The Company assessed the materiality of these misstatements both quantitatively and qualitatively and determined the correction of these errors to be immaterial to the prior consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. As a result, the Company has corrected the misstatements in the accompanying financial statements. The misstatements had no impact on the net cash flows from operating, investing, or financing activities. The following tables summarize the impact of the correction to the prior accompanying financial statements (in thousands). Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (as Previously Reported) Adjustments Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (as Corrected) General and administrative $ 1,963 $ (222 ) $ 1,741 Total operating expenses 5,515 (222 ) 5,293 Operating income 2,665 222 2,887 Income before income taxes 1,863 222 2,085 Income tax expense (717 ) (83 ) (800 ) Net income 1,146 139 1,285 Basic earnings per common share 0.06 0.01 0.07 Diluted earnings per common share 0.06 0.01 0.07 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (as Previously Reported) Adjustments Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (as Corrected) General and administrative $ 7,110 $ (322 ) $ 6,788 Total operating expenses 18,033 (322 ) 17,711 Operating income 4,552 322 4,874 Income (loss) before income taxes (4,235 ) 322 (3,913 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 1,473 (120 ) 1,353 Net income (loss) (2,762 ) 202 (2,560 ) Basic earnings (loss) per common share (0.15 ) 0.02 (0.13 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (0.15 ) 0.02 (0.13 ) December 31, 2016 (as Previously Reported) Adjustments December 31, 2016 Deferred income tax liabilities, net $ 2,383 $ 202 $ 2,585 Total liabilities 223,628 202 223,830 Paid in capital 19,510 (542 ) 18,968 Accumulated deficit (4,515 ) 340 (4,175 ) Total shareholders' equity 15,191 (202 ) 14,989 The correction decreased general and administrative expense by $542,000 and net loss by $340,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016, as previously reported. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), which completes the joint effort between the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board to converge the recognition of revenue between the two boards. The new standard affects any entity using U.S. GAAP that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets not included within other FASB standards. The guiding principal of the new standard is that an entity should recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for the delivery of goods and services. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted using either of two acceptable methods: (1) retrospective adoption to each prior period presented with the option to elect certain practical expedients; or (2) adoption with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain disclosures. To assess at which time revenue should be recognized, an entity should use the following steps: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. For public business entities, ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within the reporting period. For private companies, ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is allowed in certain circumstances. The Company does not believe this update will have an effect on the Company’s regulated revenue. The Company is continuing to monitor the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant's Power and Utility Entities Revenue Recognition Task Force recommendations and proposals specific to utilities, in particular contributions in aid of construction, which the Company does not believe will have an effect on the recognition of revenue. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-2”). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees record a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease obligation for lease arrangements with a term of greater than twelve months. ASU 2016-02 requires additional disclosures about leasing arrangements and requires the use of the modified retrospective method, which will require adjustment to all comparative periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for public companies for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect this update to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 clarifies and provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues that are not currently addressed by current U.S. GAAP and thereby reduce the current diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those annual periods. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”). ASU 2016-16 instructs entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs (compared to current U.S. GAAP which prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party). The guidance is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those annual periods. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the total beginning and ending amounts for the periods shown on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The guidance should be applied using a retrospective transition method for each period presented. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. Also the amendments provide more consistency in applying the guidance, reducing the costs of application, and make the definition of a business more operable. The guidance is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Regulatory Decision and Related

Regulatory Decision and Related Accounting and Policy Changes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Regulated Operations [Abstract]
Regulatory Decision and Related Accounting and Policy Changes	REGULATORY DECISION AND RELATED ACCOUNTING AND POLICY CHANGES Our regulated utilities and certain other balances are subject to regulation by the ACC and meet the requirements for regulatory accounting found within ASC Topic 980, Regulated Operations . In accordance with ASC Topic 980, rates charged to utility customers are intended to recover the costs of the provision of service plus a reasonable return in the same period. Changes to the rates are made through formal rate applications with the ACC, which we have done for all of our operating utilities and which are described below. On July 9, 2012, we filed formal rate applications with the ACC to adjust the revenue requirements for seven utilities representing a collective rate increase of approximately 28% over 2011 revenue levels. In August 2013, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with ACC Staff, the Residential Utility Consumers Office, the City of Maricopa, and other parties to the rate case. The settlement required approval by the ACC’s Commissioners before it could take effect. In February 2014, the rate case proceedings were completed and the ACC issued Rate Decision No. 74364, effectively approving the settlement agreement. The rulings of the decision include, but are not limited to, the following: • For the Company’s utilities, adjusting for the condemnation of the operations and assets of Valencia Water Company and sale of Willow Valley, a collective revenue requirement increase of $3.6 million based on 2011 test year service connections, phased-in over time, with the first increase in January 2015 as follows (in thousands): Incremental Cumulative 2015 $ 1,083 $ 1,083 2016 887 1,970 2017 335 2,305 2018 335 2,640 2019 335 2,975 2020 335 3,310 2021 335 3,645 Whereas this phase-in of additional revenues was determined using a 2011 test year, to the extent that the number of active service connections increases from 2011 levels, the additional revenues may be greater than the amounts set forth above. On the other hand, if active connections decrease or we experience declining usage per customer, we may not realize all of the anticipated revenues. • Full reversal of the imputation of CIAC balances associated with funds previously received under infrastructure coordination and financing agreements (“ICFAs”), as required in the Company’s last rate case. The reversal restored rate base or future rate base and had a significant impact of restoring shareholder equity on the balance sheet. • The Company has agreed to not enter into any new ICFAs. Existing ICFAs will remain in place, but a portion of future payments to be received under the ICFAs will be considered as hook-up fees, which are accounted for as CIAC once expended on plant. • A 9.5% return on common equity was adopted. • None of the Company’s utilities will file another rate application before May 31, 2016. GWRI’s subsidiaries, Global Water - Santa Cruz Water Company (“Santa Cruz”) and Global Water - Palo Verde Utilities Company (“Palo Verde”), may not file for another rate increase before May 31, 2017. The following provides additional discussion on accounting and policy changes resulting from Rate Decision No. 74364. Infrastructure Coordination and Financing Agreements – ICFAs are agreements with developers and homebuilders whereby GWRI, the indirect parent of the operating utilities, provides services to plan, coordinate, and finance the water and wastewater infrastructure that would otherwise be required to be performed or subcontracted by the developer or homebuilder. Under the ICFAs, GWRI has a contractual obligation to ensure physical capacity exists through its regulated utilities for water and wastewater to the landowner/developer when needed. This obligation persists regardless of connection growth. Fees for these services are typically a negotiated amount per equivalent dwelling unit for the specified development or portion of land. Payments are generally due in installments, with a portion due upon signing of the agreement, a portion due upon completion of certain milestones, and the final payment due upon final plat approval or sale of the subdivision. The payments are non-refundable. The agreements are generally recorded against the land and must be assumed in the event of a sale or transfer of the land. The regional planning and coordination of the infrastructure in the various service areas has been an important part of GWRI’s business model. Prior to January 1, 2010, GWRI accounted for funds received under ICFAs as revenue once the obligations specified in the ICFA were met. As these arrangements are with developers and not with the end water or wastewater customer, the timing of revenue recognition coincided with the completion of GWRI’s performance obligations under the agreement with the developer and with GWRI’s ability to provide fitted capacity for water and wastewater service through its regulated subsidiaries. The 2010 Regulatory Rate Decision No. 71878 established new rates for the recovery of reasonable costs incurred by the utilities and a return on invested capital. In determining the new annual revenue requirement, the ACC imputed a reduction to rate base for all amounts related to ICFA funds collected by the Company that the ACC deemed to be CIAC for rate making purposes. As a result of the decision by the ACC, GWRI changed its accounting policy for the accounting of ICFA funds. Effective January 1, 2010, GWRI recorded ICFA funds received as CIAC. Thereafter, the ICFA-related CIAC was amortized as a reduction of depreciation expense over the estimated depreciable life of the utility plant at the related utilities. With the issuance of Rate Decision No. 74364, in February 2014, the ACC again changed how ICFA funds would be characterized and accounted for going forward. Most notably, the ACC changed the rate treatment of ICFA funds, and ICFA funds already received would no longer be deemed CIAC for rate making purposes. In conjunction with Rate Decision No. 74364, we eliminated the CIAC liability and reversed the associated regulatory liability brought about by the 2010 ruling. ICFA funds already received or which had become due prior to the date of Rate Decision No. 74364 were accounted for in accordance with the Company’s ICFA revenue recognition policy that had been in place prior to the 2010 Regulatory Rate Decision, wherein the funds received are recognized as revenue once the obligations specified in the ICFA were met. Rate Decision No. 74364 prescribes that of the ICFA funds which come due and are paid subsequent to December 31, 2013, 70% of the ICFA funds will be recorded in the associated utility subsidiary as a hook-up fee (“HUF”) liability, with the remaining 30% to be recorded as deferred revenue, which the Company accounts for in accordance with the Company's ICFA revenue recognition policy. A HUF tariff, specifying the dollar value of a HUF for each utility, was approved by the ACC as part of Rate Decision No. 74364. The Company is responsible for assuring the full HUF value is paid from ICFA proceeds, and recorded in its full amount, even if it results in recording less than 30% of the ICFA fee as deferred revenue. The Company will account for the portion allocated to the HUF as a CIAC contribution. However, in accordance with the ACC directives the CIAC is not deducted from rate base until the HUF funds are expended for utility plant. Such funds will be segregated in a separate bank account and used for plant. A HUF liability will be established and will be amortized as a reduction of depreciation expense over the useful life of the related plant once the HUF funds are utilized for the construction of plant. For facilities required under a HUF or ICFA, the utilities must first use the HUF moneys received, after which, it may use debt or equity financing for the remainder of construction. The Company will record 30% of the funds received, up until the HUF liability is fully funded, as deferred revenue, which is to be recognized as revenue once the obligations specified within the ICFA are met. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, ICFA deferred revenue recorded on the consolidated balance sheet totaled $19.7 million , which represents deferred revenue recorded for ICFA funds received on contracts that had become due prior to Rate Decision No. 74364. For ICFA contracts coming due after December 31, 2013, as funding is received 30% will be added to this balance with the remaining 70% recorded to a HUF liability, until the HUF liability is fully funded at which time any funding greater that the HUF liability will be recorded as deferred revenue. Regulatory asset – Under ASC Topic 980, rate regulated entities defer costs and credits on the balance sheet as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that these costs and credits will be recognized in the rate making process in a period different from the period in which they would have been reflected in income by an unregulated company. Certain costs associated with our rate cases have been deferred on our balance sheet as regulatory assets as approved by the ACC. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had one regulatory asset in the amount of $27,000 and $110,000 , respectively, related to costs incurred in connection with Rate Decision No. 74364. This amount began to amortize in January 2015, and will amortize over a three -year period. Intangible assets / Regulatory liability – The Company previously recorded certain intangible assets related to ICFA contracts obtained in connection with our Santa Cruz, Palo Verde, and Sonoran acquisitions. The intangible assets represented the benefits to be received over time by virtue of having those contracts. Prior to January 1, 2010, the ICFA-related intangibles were amortized when ICFA funds were recognized as revenue. Effective January 1, 2010, in connection with the 2010 Regulatory Rate Decision, these assets became fully offset by a regulatory liability of $11.2 million since the imputation of ICFA funds as CIAC effectively resulted in the Company not being able to benefit (through rates) from the acquired ICFA contracts. Effective January 1, 2010, the gross ICFAs intangibles began to be amortized when cash was received in proportion to the amount of total cash expected to be received under the underlying agreements. However, such amortization expense was offset by a corresponding reduction of the regulatory liability in the same amount. As a result of Rate Decision No. 74364, the Company changed its policy around the ICFA related intangible assets. As discussed above, pursuant to Rate Decision No. 74364, approximately 70% of ICFA funds to be received in the future will be recorded as a HUF, until the HUF is fully funded at the Company’s applicable utility subsidiary. The remaining approximate 30% of future ICFA funds will be recorded at the parent company level and will be subject to the Company’s ICFA revenue recognition accounting policy. As the Company now expects to experience an economic benefit from the approximately 30% portion of future ICFA funds, 30% of the regulatory liability, or $3.4 million , was reversed in 2014. The remaining 70% of the regulatory liability, or $7.9 million , will continue to be recorded on the balance sheet. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, this was the Company's sole regulatory liability. Subsequent to Rate Decision No. 74364, the intangible assets will continue to amortize when the corresponding ICFA funds are received in proportion to the amount of total cash expected to be received under the underlying agreements. The recognition of amortization expense will be partially offset by a corresponding reduction of the regulatory liability.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant, and equipment at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Average Depreciation Life (in years) Mains/lines/sewers $ 116,832 $ 115,790 47 Plant 72,535 67,744 25 Equipment 29,824 29,100 10 Meters 12,592 4,637 12 Furniture, fixture and leasehold improvements 368 383 8 Computer and office equipment 683 1,056 5 Software 273 240 3 Land and land rights 861 764 Other 224 226 Construction work-in-process 51,431 53,426 Total property, plant and equipment 285,623 273,366 Less accumulated depreciation (73,786 ) (72,877 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 211,837 $ 200,489

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts receivable as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Billed receivables $ 1,741 $ 1,547 Less allowance for doubtful accounts (153 ) (76 ) Accounts receivable – net $ 1,588 $ 1,471

Equity Method Investment

Equity Method Investment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT	EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT On June 5, 2013, the Company sold Global Water Management, LLC (“GWM”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GWRI, that owned and operated the FATHOM Water Management Holdings, LLP ("FATHOM™") business. In connection with the sale of GWM, the Company made a $1.6 million investment in FATHOM™ (the "FATHOM™ investment”). This limited partnership investment is accounted for under the equity method due to the FATHOM™ investment being considered more than minor. In March 2017, FATHOM ™ completed a round of financing, wherein our ownership percentage was reduced from 8.0% to 7.1% on a fully diluted basis. In conjunction with the recapitalization, the Company's equity interest was adjusted in accordance with ASC 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures, wherein we recorded a $243,000 gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The adjustment to the carrying value of the FATHOM™ investment was calculated using our proportionate share of FATHOM™'s adjusted net equity. The gain was recorded within other income and expense in our consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter of 2017. The carrying value of the FATHOM™ investment consisted of a balance of $375,000 as of September 30, 2017 and $480,000 as of December 31, 2016 , and reflects our initial investment, the adjustments related to subsequent rounds of financing, and our proportionate share of FATHOM™'s cumulative earnings (losses). We evaluate the FATHOM™ investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the FATHOM™ investment may have experienced an “other-than-temporary” decline in value. Since the sale of GWM, the losses incurred on the FATHOM™ investment were greater than anticipated; however, based upon our evaluation of various relevant factors, including the recent round of financing and the ability of FATHOM™ to achieve and sustain an earnings capacity that would justify the carrying amount of the FATHOM™ investment, we do not believe the FATHOM™ investment to be impaired as of September 30, 2017 . We have evaluated whether the FATHOM™ investment qualifies as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) pursuant to the accounting guidance of ASC 810, Consolidations . Considering the potential that the total equity investment in the FATHOM™ investment may not be sufficient to absorb the losses of the FATHOM™ investment, the Company currently views the FATHOM™ investment as a VIE. However, considering the Company’s minority interest and limited involvement with the FATHOM™ business, the Company is not required to consolidate FATHOM™. Rather, the Company has accounted for the FATHOM™ investment under the equity method.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	INTANGIBLE ASSETS Intangible assets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount INDEFINITE LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS: CP Water Certificate of Convenience & Necessity service area $ 1,532 $ — $ 1,532 $ 1,532 $ — $ 1,532 Intangible trademark 13 — 13 13 — 13 1,545 — 1,545 1,545 — 1,545 AMORTIZED INTANGIBLE ASSETS: Acquired ICFAs 17,978 (12,154 ) 5,824 17,978 (12,154 ) 5,824 Sonoran contract rights 7,406 (2,003 ) 5,403 7,406 (2,003 ) 5,403 25,384 (14,157 ) 11,227 25,384 (14,157 ) 11,227 Total intangible assets $ 26,929 $ (14,157 ) $ 12,772 $ 26,929 $ (14,157 ) $ 12,772 Acquired ICFAs and Sonoran contract rights are amortized when cash is received in proportion to the amount of total cash expected to be received under the underlying agreements. Due to the uncertainty of the timing of when cash will be received under ICFA agreements and contract rights, we cannot reliably estimate when the remaining intangible assets' amortization will be recorded. No amortization was recorded for these balances for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 .

Transactions With Related Parti

Transactions With Related Parties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Transactions With Related Parties	TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES On January 19, 2016, GWRC announced that it agreed to pursue a reorganization transaction with the Company that resulted in GWRC merging with and into the Company (the “Reorganization Transaction”). GWRC was organized in 2010 to acquire shares of the Company, and held an approximate 47.8% interest in the Company prior to the merger. The Reorganization Transaction closed on May 3, 2016. As a result of the Reorganization Transaction, GWRC ceased to exist as a British Columbia corporation and the Company, governed by the corporate laws of the State of Delaware, is the surviving entity. GWRC was not part of the consolidated Company prior to the completion of the Reorganization Transaction. GWRC had no employees. GWRI provided for the ongoing management and general administration of GWRC’s business affairs pursuant to a management agreement between GWRC and GWRI to provide such services. Accordingly, GWRC was economically dependent on the Company. Services provided by the Company under the management agreement were provided at no charge to GWRC, and were not monetarily significant. However, GWRC incurred certain costs not covered by the management agreement. These included GWRC’s accounting fees, legal fees, listing fees, and other costs directly associated with its former status as a publicly traded company. Whereas GWRC did not expect to generate cash flows from operating activities, the operating costs incurred by GWRC and other cash requirements were paid by the Company. Amounts paid by the Company on GWRC’s behalf during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 totaled zero and $650,000 , respectively. The Company accounted for such payments as equity distributions to GWRC. In conjunction with the merger of GWRC into GWRI, the Company recorded $731,000 in accounts payable and $353,000 in deferred compensation on the books of GWRI that were previously recorded at GWRC. In addition to these liabilities, the Company also recorded an approximate $1.4 million tax liability associated with the transfer of GWRC from Canada to the United States, which liability has since been settled. A corresponding reduction in additional paid in capital was recorded with the merging of these liabilities into GWRI. The Company provides medical benefits to our employees through our participation in a pooled plan sponsored by an affiliate of a shareholder and director of the Company. Medical claims paid to the plan were approximately $62,000 and $60,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Medical claims paid to the plan were approximately $200,000 and $461,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. GWM has historically provided billing, customer service, and other support services for the Company’s regulated utilities. Amounts collected by GWM from the Company’s customers that GWM has not yet remitted to the Company are included within the “Due from affiliates” caption on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the unremitted balance totaled $494,000 and $333,000 , respectively. Notwithstanding the sale of GWM on June 5, 2013, GWM continues to provide these services to the Company’s regulated utilities under a long-term service agreement. Based on current service connections, annual fees to be paid to GWM for FATHOM™ services will be approximately $1.5 million at a rate of $6.24 per water account/month. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company incurred FATHOM™ service fees of approximately $366,000 and $467,000 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company incurred FATHOM™ service fees of approximately $1.1 million and $1.4 million , respectively. Pursuant to the purchase agreement for the sale of GWM, the Company is entitled to quarterly royalty payments based on a percentage of certain of GWM’s recurring revenues for a 10 -year period, up to a maximum of $15.0 million . In addition, the Company entered into a services agreement with GWM whereby the Company has agreed to use the FATHOM™ platform for all of its regulated utility services for an initial term of 10 years. The services agreement was amended on November 17, 2016, which extended the term of the contract through December 31, 2026 . As part of the amended agreement, the Company reduced the monthly rate per connection from $7.79 per water account/month to $6.24 per water account/month. Additionally, the scope of services was expanded to include a meter replacement program of approximately $11.4 million , wherein the Company has replaced a majority of its meter infrastructure. As of September 30, 2017 , $10.0 million has been paid to GWM in connection with the meter exchange program. The services agreement is automatically renewable for successive 10 -year periods, unless notice of termination is given prior to any renewal period. The services agreement may be terminated by either party for default only and the termination of the services agreement will also result in the termination of the royalty payments payable to the Company. The Company made the election to record these quarterly royalty payments prospectively in income as the amounts are earned. Royalties recorded within other income totaled approximately $88,000 and $87,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Royalties recorded within other income totaled approximately $275,000 and $264,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	ACCRUED EXPENSES Accrued expenses at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Deferred compensation $ 2,006 $ 1,920 Interest 1,769 483 Meter replacement - related party 1,417 1,255 Dividend payable 470 458 Property taxes 459 910 Project accruals 374 48 Tax obligation related to GWRC merger — 178 Other accrued liabilities 2,332 2,350 Total accrued liabilities $ 8,827 $ 7,602

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	DEBT The outstanding balances and maturity dates for short-term (including the current portion of long-term debt) and long-term debt as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Short-term Long-term Short-term Long-term BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE - 4.380% Series A 2016, maturing June 2028 $ — $ 28,750 $ — $ 28,750 4.580% Series B 2016, maturing June 2036 — 86,250 — 86,250 1.200% WIFA Loan, maturing October 2032 3 43 — — 4.650% Harquahala Loan, maturing January 2021 5 16 — — 8 115,059 — 115,000 OTHER Capital lease obligations — — 25 54 Debt issuance costs — (704 ) — (737 ) Total debt $ 8 $ 114,355 $ 25 $ 114,317 2016 Senior Secured Notes – On June 24, 2016, the Company issued two series of senior secured notes with an aggregate total principal balance of $115.0 million at a blended interest rate of 4.55% . Series A carries a principal balance of $28.8 million and bears an interest rate of 4.38% over a twelve year term, with the principal payment due on June 15, 2028 . Series B carries a principal balance of $86.3 million and bears an interest rate of 4.58% over a 20 -year term. Series B is interest only for the first five years, with $1.9 million principal payments paid semiannually thereafter. The proceeds of the senior secured notes were primarily used to refinance the previously outstanding long-term tax exempt bonds, which were subject to an early redemption option at 103% , plus accrued interest, as a result of the U.S. IPO. As part of the refinancing of the long-term debt, the Company paid a prepayment penalty of $3.2 million and wrote off the remaining $2.2 million in capitalized loan fees related to the tax exempt bonds, which were recorded as additional interest expense in the second quarter of 2016. The senior secured notes are collateralized by a security interest in the Company’s equity interest in its subsidiaries, including all payments representing profits and qualifying distributions. The senior secured notes require the Company maintain a debt service coverage ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated debt service of at least 1.10 to 1.00. Consolidated EBITDA is calculated as net income plus depreciation, taxes, interest and other non-cash charges net of non-cash income. Consolidated debt service is calculated as interest expense, principal payments, and dividend or stock repurchases. The senior secured notes also contain a provision limiting the payment of dividends if the Company falls below a debt service ratio of 1.25 . However, for the quarter ending June 30, 2021 through the quarter ending March 31, 2024, the ratio drops to 1.20 . As of September 30, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with its financial debt covenants. Eagletail Loans – In May 2017, the Company acquired Eagletail. As part of the acquisition, the Company assumed two unsecured loans held by Eagletail. These loans are payable to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona ("WIFA") and Harquahala Valley Community Benefits Foundation ("Harquahala") and as of September 30, 2017 carry balances of $46,000 and $21,000 , respectively. The WIFA loan bears an interest rate of 1.20% over a 20 -year term, while the Harquahala loan bears an interest rate of 4.65% over a 15 -year term. At September 30, 2017 , the Company had no capital lease obligations outstanding and the remaining aggregate annual maturities of debt for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands): Debt 2017 $ 2 2018 7 2019 8 2020 10 2021 1,921 Thereafter 113,119 Subtotal 115,067 Less: amount representing interest — Total $ 115,067 At September 30, 2017 , the carrying value of the non-current portion of long-term debt was $115.1 million , with an estimated fair value of $115.2 million . At December 31, 2016 , the carrying value of the non-current portion of long-term debt was $115.0 million , with an estimated fair value of $108.4 million . The fair value of our debt was estimated based on interest rates considered available for instruments of similar terms and remaining maturities.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded a tax expense of $766,000 on a pre-tax income of $2.0 million , compared to a tax expense of $800,000 on a pre-tax income of $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded a tax expense of $1.2 million on a pre-tax income of $3.0 million , compared to a tax benefit of $1.4 million on a pre-tax loss of $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . The income tax provision was computed based on the Company’s estimated effective tax rate and forecasted income expected for the full year, including the impact of any unusual, infrequent, or non-recurring items.

Deferred Compensation Awards

Deferred Compensation Awards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Deferred Compensation Awards	DEFERRED COMPENSATION AWARDS Stock-based compensation – Stock-based compensation related to option awards is measured based on the fair value of the award. The fair value of stock option awards is determined using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We recognize compensation expense associated with the options over the vesting period. 2016 stock option grant – In May 2016, GWRI’s Board of Directors granted stock options to acquire 325,000 shares of GWRI’s common stock to the members of the board. The options were granted with an exercise price of $7.50 , the market price of the Company’s common shares on the NASDAQ Global Market at the close of business on May 20, 2016. The options vest over a two -year period, with 50% vesting in May 2017 and 50% vesting in May 2018. The options have a three -year life. The Company will expense the $348,000 fair value of the stock option grant ratably over the two -year vesting period in accordance with ASC 323. Stock-based compensation expense of $43,000 and $130,000 was recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. Stock-based compensation expense of $43,000 and $63,000 was recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. As of September 30, 2017 , 50,000 options have been exercised with 275,000 outstanding. 2017 stock option grant - In August 2017, GWRI's Board of Directors granted stock options to acquire 465,000 shares of GWRI's common stock to employees throughout the Company. The options were granted with an exercise price of $9.40 , the market price of the Company's common shares on the NASDAQ Global Market at the close of business on August 10, 2017. The options vest over a four -year period, with 25% vesting in August 2018, 25% vesting in August 2019, 25% vesting in August 2020, and 25% vesting in August 2021. The options have a 10 -year life. The company will expense the $1.3 million fair value of the stock option grant ratably over the four -year vesting period in accordance with ASC 323. Stock-based compensation expense of $44,000 was recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Phantom stock compensation – On December 30, 2010, we adopted a phantom stock unit plan authorizing the directors of the Company to issue phantom stock units (‘‘PSUs’’) to our employees. Following the consummation of the Reorganization Transaction, the awarded PSUs have been amended such that the outstanding units track the value of GWRI’s share price. The vesting of the awards has not changed. The PSUs give rise to a right of the holder to receive a cash payment the value of which, on a particular date, is the market value of the equivalent number of shares of GWRI at that date. The issuance of PSUs as a core component of employee compensation was intended to strengthen the alignment of interests between the employees of the Company and the shareholders of GWRI by linking their holdings and a portion of their compensation to the future value of the common shares of GWRI. PSUs are accounted for as liability compensatory awards under ASC 710, Compensation – General , rather than as equity awards. PSU awards are remeasured each period and a liability is recorded equal to GRWI’s closing share price as of the balance sheet date multiplied by the number of units vested and outstanding. The value of the benefits is recorded as an expense in the Company’s financial statements over the related vesting period. Vesting occurs ratably over 12 consecutive quarters beginning in the period granted. The following table details total awards granted and the number of units outstanding as of September 30, 2017 along with the amounts paid to holders of the PSUs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except unit amounts): Amounts Paid For the Three Months Ended September 30, Amounts Paid For the Nine Months Ended September 30, Grant Date Units Granted Units Outstanding 2017 2016 2017 2016 Q1 2013 76,492 — $ — $ — $ — $ 29 Q1 2014 8,775 — — 3 3 7 Q1 2015 28,828 4,805 24 19 67 46 Q1 2016 34,830 17,415 29 23 80 40 Q1 2017 22,712 18,927 19 — 35 — Total 171,637 41,147 $ 72 $ 45 $ 185 $ 122 Stock appreciation rights compensation – Beginning January 2012, in an effort to reward employees for their performance, the Company adopted a stock appreciation rights plan authorizing the directors of the Company to issue stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to our employees. Following the consummation of the Reorganization Transaction, the value of the SARs issued under the plan track the performance of GWRI’s shares. Each holder has the right to receive a cash payment amounting to the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of GWRI’s common shares on the exercise date, provided that the closing price is in excess of the exercise price. Holders of SARs may exercise their awards once vested. Individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave the Company forfeit their rights under the awards. The Company historically accounted for SARs as liability compensatory awards under ASC 710, Compensation – General , valued using the intrinsic value method, as permitted by ASC 718 for nonpublic entities, with changes to the value of the SARs recognized as compensation expense at each quarterly reporting date. In connection with becoming a public company, as defined in ASC 718, in the first quarter of 2016, the Company was required to change its methodology for valuing the SARs. While the SARs will continue to be remeasured at each quarterly reporting date, the SARs are required to be accounted for prospectively at fair value using a fair value pricing model, such as Black-Scholes. The Company recorded the impact of the change in valuation methods as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, as permitted by ASC 250. The effect of the change increased the SAR liability by $103,000 which was the difference in compensation cost measured using the intrinsic value method and the fair value method. An offsetting change to accumulated deficit in the consolidated balance sheet was recorded with the revaluation, net of $38,000 in taxes. Any future changes in fair value will be recorded as compensation expense in the consolidated statement of operations. The following table details the recipients of the SARs awards, the grant date, units granted, exercise price, outstanding shares as of September 30, 2017 and amounts paid during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except unit and per unit amounts): Amounts Paid For the Three Months Ended September 30, Amounts Paid For the Nine Months Ended September 30, Recipients Grant Date Units Granted Exercise Price Units Outstanding 2017 2016 2017 2016 Key Executive (1)(3) Q3 2013 100,000 $ 1.59 20,000 $ — $ — $ 366 $ 151 Key Executive (1)(4) Q4 2013 100,000 $ 2.69 25,500 — — 312 137 Members of Management (1)(5) Q1 2015 299,000 $ 4.26 233,000 — 63 — 112 Key Executives (2)(6) Q2 2015 300,000 $ 5.13 300,000 — — — — Members of Management (1)(7) Q3 2017 103,000 $ 9.40 103,000 — — — — Total 902,000 681,500 $ — $ 63 $ 678 $ 400 (1) The SARs vest ratably over sixteen quarters from the grant date. (2) The SARs vest over sixteen quarters, vesting 20% per year for the first three years, with the remainder, 40% , vesting in year four. (3) The exercise price was determined by taking the weighted average GWRC share price of the five days prior to the grant date of July 1, 2013. (4) The exercise price was determined by taking the weighted average GWRC share price of the 30 days prior to the grant date of November 14, 2013. (5) The exercise price was determined to be the fair market value of one share of GWRC stock on the grant date of February 11, 2015. (6) The exercise price was determined to be the fair market value of one share of GWRC stock on the grant date of May 8, 2015. (7) The exercise price was determined to be the fair market value of one share of GWRI stock on the grant date of August 10, 2017 As a result of the merger of GWRC into the Company and the U.S. IPO, the exercise prices for the preceding awards were translated to U.S. dollars using the prevailing noon-day Bank of Canada foreign exchange rate of US$0.7969 per CAD $1.00 as measured on May 2, 2016, the day prior to the closing of the merger. The vesting of the awards has not changed. Subsequent to the merger, each SAR provides the holder the right to receive a cash payment amounting to the difference between the per share exercise price and the closing price of GWRI’s common shares on the exercise date, provided that the closing price is in excess of exercise price per share. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company recorded approximately $97,000 and $28,000 of compensation expense related to the PSUs and SARs, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company recorded approximately $962,000 and $1.2 million of compensation expense related to the PSUs and SARs, respectively. Based on GWRI’s closing share price on September 29, 2017 , deferred compensation expense to be recognized over future periods is estimated for the years ending December 31 as follows (in thousands): PSUs SARs 2017 $ 69 $ 216 2018 184 863 2019 73 186 2020 — 67 2021 — 50 Total $ 326 $ 1,382

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION The following is supplemental cash flow information for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid for interest $ 2,616 $ 3,491 Cash paid for GWRC tax liability $ 125 $ — Cash paid for bond prepayment fee $ — $ 3,201 Non-cash financing and investing activities: Capital expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 2,212 $ 1,171 Equity method investment gain on recapitalization of FATHOM™ $ 243 $ — Deferred compensation change in accounting principle $ — $ 103 Reclassification of deferred IPO costs to equity $ — $ 97

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments – Prior to the sale of GWM, we leased certain office space in Arizona under operating leases with terms that expired in February 2016. The operating lease agreements were between GWM and the landlord. Accordingly, effective June 2013 through February 2016, the Company was not a party under the lease agreements. GWRI subleased a portion of the office space covered under the GWM lease agreements. In February 2016, the Company entered into a three -year lease agreement with the landlord to occupy the same space previously subleased under GWM's lease agreements, inclusive of necessary facility upgrades. Beginning in March 2016, the Company began recording approximately $8,000 in monthly rent expense related to the new agreement. Rent expense arising from the operating leases totaled approximately $25,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , and $74,000 and $67,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Contingencies From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, the Company may be subject to pending or threatened lawsuits in which claims for monetary damages are asserted. Management is not aware of any legal proceeding of which the ultimate resolution could materially affect our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On November 9, 2017 , the Company announced a monthly dividend increase from $0.023060 per share ( $0.276720 per share annually) to $0.023625 per share ( $0.283500 per share annually). Although we expect monthly dividends will be declared and paid for the foreseeable future, the declaration of any dividends is at the discretion of our board of directors and is subject to our compliance with applicable law, and depending on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, level of indebtedness, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, restrictions in our debt agreements and in any preferred stock we may issue in the future, business prospects and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

Interim Financial Statements (P

Interim Financial Statements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share — As of September 30, 2017 , the Company had 740,000 options outstanding to acquire shares of the Company's common stock. The 275,000 options outstanding from the 2016 option grant provide 49,190 and 35,729 common share equivalents for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, which were included within the calculation of diluted earnings per share for each respective period. The 465,000 options outstanding from the 2017 option grant were not included within the 2017 dilutive earnings per share calculations, as to do so would be antidilutive. As of September 30, 2016 , the 325,000 options outstanding from the 2016 option grant provided 29,338 and 15,189 common share equivalents for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. The 29,338 share equivalents were included within the dilutive earnings per share calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2016 . The 15,189 share equivalents were not included within the dilutive earnings per share calculation for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , as to do so would be antidilutive in periods of net loss. See Note 11 – “Deferred Compensation Awards” for additional information regarding the option grants.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation – The condensed consolidated financial statements of Global Water Resources, Inc. (the “Company”, “GWRI”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) and related disclosures as of September 30, 2017 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are unaudited. The December 31, 2016 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of their application as the Company’s most recent annual consolidated financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 . In our opinion, these financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement of the results for the interim period. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year, due to the seasonality of our business. The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The U.S. dollar is the Company’s reporting currency and functional currency. The Company qualifies as an “emerging growth company”, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), under the rules and regulations of the SEC. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. The Company elected to take advantage of these provisions for up to five years or such earlier time that the Company is no longer an emerging growth company. The Company has elected to take advantage of some of the reduced disclosure obligations regarding financial statements. Also, as an emerging growth company the Company can elect to delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies. The Company has chosen to take advantage of this extended accounting transition provision.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), which completes the joint effort between the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board to converge the recognition of revenue between the two boards. The new standard affects any entity using U.S. GAAP that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets not included within other FASB standards. The guiding principal of the new standard is that an entity should recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for the delivery of goods and services. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted using either of two acceptable methods: (1) retrospective adoption to each prior period presented with the option to elect certain practical expedients; or (2) adoption with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain disclosures. To assess at which time revenue should be recognized, an entity should use the following steps: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. For public business entities, ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within the reporting period. For private companies, ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is allowed in certain circumstances. The Company does not believe this update will have an effect on the Company’s regulated revenue. The Company is continuing to monitor the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant's Power and Utility Entities Revenue Recognition Task Force recommendations and proposals specific to utilities, in particular contributions in aid of construction, which the Company does not believe will have an effect on the recognition of revenue. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-2”). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees record a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease obligation for lease arrangements with a term of greater than twelve months. ASU 2016-02 requires additional disclosures about leasing arrangements and requires the use of the modified retrospective method, which will require adjustment to all comparative periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for public companies for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect this update to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 clarifies and provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues that are not currently addressed by current U.S. GAAP and thereby reduce the current diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those annual periods. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”). ASU 2016-16 instructs entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs (compared to current U.S. GAAP which prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party). The guidance is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those annual periods. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the total beginning and ending amounts for the periods shown on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The guidance should be applied using a retrospective transition method for each period presented. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. Also the amendments provide more consistency in applying the guidance, reducing the costs of application, and make the definition of a business more operable. The guidance is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Interim Financial Statements In

Interim Financial Statements Interim Financial Statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments	The following tables summarize the impact of the correction to the prior accompanying financial statements (in thousands). Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (as Previously Reported) Adjustments Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (as Corrected) General and administrative $ 1,963 $ (222 ) $ 1,741 Total operating expenses 5,515 (222 ) 5,293 Operating income 2,665 222 2,887 Income before income taxes 1,863 222 2,085 Income tax expense (717 ) (83 ) (800 ) Net income 1,146 139 1,285 Basic earnings per common share 0.06 0.01 0.07 Diluted earnings per common share 0.06 0.01 0.07 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (as Previously Reported) Adjustments Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (as Corrected) General and administrative $ 7,110 $ (322 ) $ 6,788 Total operating expenses 18,033 (322 ) 17,711 Operating income 4,552 322 4,874 Income (loss) before income taxes (4,235 ) 322 (3,913 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 1,473 (120 ) 1,353 Net income (loss) (2,762 ) 202 (2,560 ) Basic earnings (loss) per common share (0.15 ) 0.02 (0.13 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (0.15 ) 0.02 (0.13 ) December 31, 2016 (as Previously Reported) Adjustments December 31, 2016 Deferred income tax liabilities, net $ 2,383 $ 202 $ 2,585 Total liabilities 223,628 202 223,830 Paid in capital 19,510 (542 ) 18,968 Accumulated deficit (4,515 ) 340 (4,175 ) Total shareholders' equity 15,191 (202 ) 14,989

Regulatory Decision and Relat24

Regulatory Decision and Related Accounting and Policy Changes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Regulated Operations [Abstract]
Summary of Collective Revenue Requirement Phased-in Over Time	• For the Company’s utilities, adjusting for the condemnation of the operations and assets of Valencia Water Company and sale of Willow Valley, a collective revenue requirement increase of $3.6 million based on 2011 test year service connections, phased-in over time, with the first increase in January 2015 as follows (in thousands): Incremental Cumulative 2015 $ 1,083 $ 1,083 2016 887 1,970 2017 335 2,305 2018 335 2,640 2019 335 2,975 2020 335 3,310 2021 335 3,645

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant, and equipment at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Average Depreciation Life (in years) Mains/lines/sewers $ 116,832 $ 115,790 47 Plant 72,535 67,744 25 Equipment 29,824 29,100 10 Meters 12,592 4,637 12 Furniture, fixture and leasehold improvements 368 383 8 Computer and office equipment 683 1,056 5 Software 273 240 3 Land and land rights 861 764 Other 224 226 Construction work-in-process 51,431 53,426 Total property, plant and equipment 285,623 273,366 Less accumulated depreciation (73,786 ) (72,877 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 211,837 $ 200,489

Accounts Receivable (Tables)

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Summary of Accounts Receivable	Accounts receivable as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Billed receivables $ 1,741 $ 1,547 Less allowance for doubtful accounts (153 ) (76 ) Accounts receivable – net $ 1,588 $ 1,471

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	Intangible assets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount INDEFINITE LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS: CP Water Certificate of Convenience & Necessity service area $ 1,532 $ — $ 1,532 $ 1,532 $ — $ 1,532 Intangible trademark 13 — 13 13 — 13 1,545 — 1,545 1,545 — 1,545 AMORTIZED INTANGIBLE ASSETS: Acquired ICFAs 17,978 (12,154 ) 5,824 17,978 (12,154 ) 5,824 Sonoran contract rights 7,406 (2,003 ) 5,403 7,406 (2,003 ) 5,403 25,384 (14,157 ) 11,227 25,384 (14,157 ) 11,227 Total intangible assets $ 26,929 $ (14,157 ) $ 12,772 $ 26,929 $ (14,157 ) $ 12,772

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Deferred compensation $ 2,006 $ 1,920 Interest 1,769 483 Meter replacement - related party 1,417 1,255 Dividend payable 470 458 Property taxes 459 910 Project accruals 374 48 Tax obligation related to GWRC merger — 178 Other accrued liabilities 2,332 2,350 Total accrued liabilities $ 8,827 $ 7,602

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Outstanding Balances and Maturity Dates for Short Term and Long Term Debt	The outstanding balances and maturity dates for short-term (including the current portion of long-term debt) and long-term debt as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Short-term Long-term Short-term Long-term BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE - 4.380% Series A 2016, maturing June 2028 $ — $ 28,750 $ — $ 28,750 4.580% Series B 2016, maturing June 2036 — 86,250 — 86,250 1.200% WIFA Loan, maturing October 2032 3 43 — — 4.650% Harquahala Loan, maturing January 2021 5 16 — — 8 115,059 — 115,000 OTHER Capital lease obligations — — 25 54 Debt issuance costs — (704 ) — (737 ) Total debt $ 8 $ 114,355 $ 25 $ 114,317
Schedule of Aggregate Annual Maturities of Debt And Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations	At September 30, 2017 , the Company had no capital lease obligations outstanding and the remaining aggregate annual maturities of debt for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands): Debt 2017 $ 2 2018 7 2019 8 2020 10 2021 1,921 Thereafter 113,119 Subtotal 115,067 Less: amount representing interest — Total $ 115,067

Deferred Compensation Awards (T

Deferred Compensation Awards (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Total Awards Granted, Number of Units Outstanding and Amounts Paid to PSU Holders	The following table details total awards granted and the number of units outstanding as of September 30, 2017 along with the amounts paid to holders of the PSUs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except unit amounts): Amounts Paid For the Three Months Ended September 30, Amounts Paid For the Nine Months Ended September 30, Grant Date Units Granted Units Outstanding 2017 2016 2017 2016 Q1 2013 76,492 — $ — $ — $ — $ 29 Q1 2014 8,775 — — 3 3 7 Q1 2015 28,828 4,805 24 19 67 46 Q1 2016 34,830 17,415 29 23 80 40 Q1 2017 22,712 18,927 19 — 35 — Total 171,637 41,147 $ 72 $ 45 $ 185 $ 122
Schedule of Recipients of SARs Awards, Grant Date, Units Granted, Exercise Price, Outstanding Shares and Amounts Paid	The following table details the recipients of the SARs awards, the grant date, units granted, exercise price, outstanding shares as of September 30, 2017 and amounts paid during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except unit and per unit amounts): Amounts Paid For the Three Months Ended September 30, Amounts Paid For the Nine Months Ended September 30, Recipients Grant Date Units Granted Exercise Price Units Outstanding 2017 2016 2017 2016 Key Executive (1)(3) Q3 2013 100,000 $ 1.59 20,000 $ — $ — $ 366 $ 151 Key Executive (1)(4) Q4 2013 100,000 $ 2.69 25,500 — — 312 137 Members of Management (1)(5) Q1 2015 299,000 $ 4.26 233,000 — 63 — 112 Key Executives (2)(6) Q2 2015 300,000 $ 5.13 300,000 — — — — Members of Management (1)(7) Q3 2017 103,000 $ 9.40 103,000 — — — — Total 902,000 681,500 $ — $ 63 $ 678 $ 400 (1) The SARs vest ratably over sixteen quarters from the grant date. (2) The SARs vest over sixteen quarters, vesting 20% per year for the first three years, with the remainder, 40% , vesting in year four. (3) The exercise price was determined by taking the weighted average GWRC share price of the five days prior to the grant date of July 1, 2013. (4) The exercise price was determined by taking the weighted average GWRC share price of the 30 days prior to the grant date of November 14, 2013. (5) The exercise price was determined to be the fair market value of one share of GWRC stock on the grant date of February 11, 2015. (6) The exercise price was determined to be the fair market value of one share of GWRC stock on the grant date of May 8, 2015. (7) The exercise price was determined to be the fair market value of one share of GWRI stock on the grant date of August 10, 2017
Schedule of Estimated Future Compensation Expense	Based on GWRI’s closing share price on September 29, 2017 , deferred compensation expense to be recognized over future periods is estimated for the years ending December 31 as follows (in thousands): PSUs SARs 2017 $ 69 $ 216 2018 184 863 2019 73 186 2020 — 67 2021 — 50 Total $ 326 $ 1,382

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform31

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information	The following is supplemental cash flow information for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid for interest $ 2,616 $ 3,491 Cash paid for GWRC tax liability $ 125 $ — Cash paid for bond prepayment fee $ — $ 3,201 Non-cash financing and investing activities: Capital expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 2,212 $ 1,171 Equity method investment gain on recapitalization of FATHOM™ $ 243 $ — Deferred compensation change in accounting principle $ — $ 103 Reclassification of deferred IPO costs to equity $ — $ 97

Interim Financial Statements -

Interim Financial Statements - Additional Information (Details)

May 15, 2017USD ($)mi²Active_Water_Connection

Apr. 18, 2017

Jun. 02, 2016USD ($)

May 11, 2016USD ($)shares

May 09, 2016USD ($)

May 03, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares

Mar. 17, 2016USD ($)

Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)shares

Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)shares

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Jun. 24, 2016USD ($)

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Document Period End Date

Sep. 30, 2017

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number | shares

740,000

740,000

Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment | shares

49,190

29,338

35,729

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount | shares

15,189

Total proceeds from transfer of project agreement

$ 4,100,000

Proceeds from transfer of project agreement

$ 296,000

$ 2,800,000

Other income (expense)

$ 439,000

$ 436,000

$ 1,127,000

$ 1,866,000

Remaining proceeds from transfer of project agreement

1,000,000

Loss of disposal group recorded in other expense

0

54,000

Extension to report deferred gain

1 year

Net income

1,203,000

1,285,000

$ 1,817,000

(2,560,000)

Private Letter Ruling

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Gain on condemnation of Valencia

$ 19,400,000

Maximum

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Emerging growth company specified reduced reporting advantage period

5 years

IPO

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Stock issued during period, shares, new issues | shares

1,164,800

Stock issued during period, price per share | $ / shares

$ 6.25

Proceeds from issuance initial public offering

$ 7,300,000

Underwriter

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Proceeds from issuance initial public offering

$ 1,100,000

Underwriter | Maximum

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Stock issued during period, shares, new issues | shares

174,720

GWR Global Water Resources Corp

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Accounts payable due to merger of GWRC

731,000

Deferred compensation due to merger of GWRC

353,000

Business combination, tax liability

$ 1,400,000

Treasury stock, shares retired | shares

8,726,747

Sonoran Utility Services, LLC (“Sonoran”)

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Liability assumed from acquisition

$ 3,800,000

$ 2,800,000

Reduction in acquisition liability

$ 1,000,000

Gain from acquisition liability recorded in other income

954,000

Valencia Water Company

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Deferred tax liabilities, gross

$ 10,500,000

$ 10,500,000

Eagletail Water Company

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Active water connections | Active_Water_Connection

55

Square miles of approved service area | mi²

6

Business combination, consideration transferred

$ 80,000

Business combination, assets acquired

80,000

Business combination, liabilities assumed

$ 78,000

Willow Valley

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Proceeds from sale of productive assets

$ 2,300,000

Loss of disposal group recorded in other expense

$ 54,000

Transfer of Project Agreement

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Other income (expense)

$ 3,300,000

Adjustments for Error Corrections

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Net income

$ 139,000

$ 202,000

$ 340,000

Employee Stock Option [Member] | 2016 stock option grant

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number | shares

275,000

325,000

275,000

325,000

Employee Stock Option [Member] | 2017 stock option grant

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number | shares

465,000

465,000

Interim Financial Statements 33

Interim Financial Statements - Impact of the misstatement and subsequent correction of the prior period adjustments (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
General and administrative	$ 2,012	$ 1,741	$ 7,031	$ 6,788
Total operating expenses	5,662	5,293	17,785	17,711
Operating income	2,810	2,887	5,623	4,874
Income before income taxes	1,969	2,085	3,044	(3,913)
Income tax expense	(766)	(800)	(1,227)	1,353
Net income (loss)	$ 1,203	$ 1,285	$ 1,817	$ (2,560)
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06	$ 0.07	$ 0.09	$ (0.13)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06	$ 0.07	$ 0.09	$ (0.13)
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	$ 3,719		$ 3,719		$ 2,585
Total liabilities	224,786		224,786		223,830
Paid in capital	15,547		15,547		18,968
Accumulated deficit	(2,358)		(2,358)		(4,175)
Total shareholders' equity	$ 13,385		$ 13,385		14,989
Scenario, Previously Reported
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
General and administrative		$ 1,963		$ 7,110
Total operating expenses		5,515		18,033
Operating income		2,665		4,552
Income before income taxes		1,863		(4,235)
Income tax expense		(717)		1,473
Net income (loss)		$ 1,146		$ (2,762)
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.06		$ (0.15)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.06		$ (0.15)
Deferred income tax liabilities, net					2,383
Total liabilities					223,628
Paid in capital					19,510
Accumulated deficit					(4,515)
Total shareholders' equity					15,191
Restatement Adjustment
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
General and administrative		$ 1,741		$ 6,788
Total operating expenses		5,293		17,711
Operating income		2,887		4,874
Income before income taxes		2,085		(3,913)
Income tax expense		(800)		1,353
Net income (loss)		$ 1,285		$ (2,560)
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.07		$ (0.13)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.07		$ (0.13)
Deferred income tax liabilities, net					2,585
Total liabilities					223,830
Paid in capital					18,968
Accumulated deficit					(4,175)
Total shareholders' equity					14,989
Adjustments for Error Corrections
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
General and administrative		$ (222)		$ (322)	(542)
Total operating expenses		(222)		(322)
Operating income		222		322
Income before income taxes		222		322
Income tax expense		(83)		(120)
Net income (loss)		$ 139		$ 202	340
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01		$ 0.02
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01		$ 0.02
Deferred income tax liabilities, net					202
Total liabilities					202
Paid in capital					(542)
Accumulated deficit					340
Total shareholders' equity					$ (202)

Regulatory Decision and Relat34

Regulatory Decision and Related Accounting and Policy Changes - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 09, 2012Utility	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2010USD ($)
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of utilities to adjust revenue requirement | Utility	7
Requested collective rate of increase over revenue	28.00%
Approved collective revenue increase		$ 3,600
Adopted rate of return on common equity		9.50%
Percentage of hook up fee liability to be recorded on ICFA receipts		70.00%
Percentage of deferred revenue to be recorded on ICFA receipts		30.00%
ICFA fee as deferred revenue		The Company is responsible for assuring the full HUF value is paid from ICFA proceeds, and recorded in its full amount, even if it results in recording less than 30% of the ICFA fee as deferred revenue.
Deferred regulatory gain - ICFA		$ 19,739		$ 19,740
Regulatory assets		$ 27		110
Regulatory assets, amortization period		3 years
Intangible assets offset by regulatory liability					$ 11,200
Percentage of regulatory liability		70.00%
Percentage reversal of regulatory liability			30.00%
Reversal of regulatory liability			$ 3,400
Regulatory liability		$ 7,859		7,859
ICFA [Member]
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]
Deferred regulatory gain - ICFA		$ 19,700		$ 19,740

Regulatory Decision and Relat35

Regulatory Decision and Related Accounting and Policy Changes - Summary of Collective Revenue Requirement Phased-in Over Time (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Regulated Operations [Abstract]
2015, Incremental revenue requirement	$ 1,083
2016, Incremental revenue requirement	887
2017, Incremental revenue requirement	335
2018, Incremental revenue requirement	335
2019, Incremental revenue requirement	335
2020, Incremental revenue requirement	335
2021, Incremental revenue requirement	335
2015, Cumulative revenue requirement	1,083
2016, Cumulative revenue requirement	1,970
2017, Cumulative revenue requirement	2,305
2018, Cumulative revenue requirement	2,640
2019, Cumulative revenue requirement	2,975
2020, Cumulative revenue requirement	3,310
2021, Cumulative revenue requirement	$ 3,645

Property, Plant and Equipment -

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 285,623	$ 273,366
Less accumulated depreciation	(73,786)	(72,877)
Net property, plant and equipment	211,837	200,489
Mains/lines/sewers
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 116,832	115,790
Average Depreciation Life (in years)
Property plant and equipment, average depreciation life	47 years
Plant
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 72,535	67,744
Average Depreciation Life (in years)
Property plant and equipment, average depreciation life	25 years
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 29,824	29,100
Average Depreciation Life (in years)
Property plant and equipment, average depreciation life	10 years
Meters
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 12,592	4,637
Average Depreciation Life (in years)
Property plant and equipment, average depreciation life	12 years
Furniture, fixture and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 368	383
Average Depreciation Life (in years)
Property plant and equipment, average depreciation life	8 years
Computer and office equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 683	1,056
Average Depreciation Life (in years)
Property plant and equipment, average depreciation life	5 years
Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 273	240
Average Depreciation Life (in years)
Property plant and equipment, average depreciation life	3 years
Land and land rights
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 861	764
Other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	224	226
Construction work-in-process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 51,431	$ 53,426

Accounts Receivable - Summary o

Accounts Receivable - Summary of Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Billed receivables	$ 1,741	$ 1,547
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(153)	(76)
Accounts receivable – net	$ 1,588	$ 1,471

Equity Method Investment - Addi

Equity Method Investment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 05, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment			$ 375,000		$ 480,000
Equity method investment gain on recapitalization of FATHOM™			243,000	$ 0
FATHOM
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment			375,000		$ 480,000	$ 1,600,000
Ownership percentage of common and preferred units	7.10%	8.00%
Equity method investment gain on recapitalization of FATHOM™			$ 243,000

Intangible Assets - Intangible

Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite lived intangible assets, Net Amount	$ 1,545	$ 1,545
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Amount	25,384	25,384
Amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(14,157)	(14,157)
Amortized intangible assets, Net Amount	11,227	11,227
Total intangible assets, Gross Amount	26,929	26,929
Total intangible assets, Net Amount	12,772	12,772
Acquired ICFAs
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Amount	17,978	17,978
Amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(12,154)	(12,154)
Amortized intangible assets, Net Amount	5,824	5,824
Sonoran contract rights
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Amount	7,406	7,406
Amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(2,003)	(2,003)
Amortized intangible assets, Net Amount	5,403	5,403
CP Water Certificate of Convenience & Necessity service area
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite lived intangible assets, Net Amount	1,532	1,532
Intangible trademark
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite lived intangible assets, Net Amount	$ 13	$ 13

Intangible Assets - Additional

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Transactions With Related Par41

Transactions With Related Parties - Additional Information (Details)	Nov. 17, 2016$ / Wateraccount	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / Wateraccount	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	May 03, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 19, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Employee medical claims paid		$ 62,000	$ 60,000	$ 200,000	$ 461,000
Due from affiliates		494,000		$ 494,000		$ 333,000
Services agreement renewable term				10 years
Global Water Management
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from affiliates		494,000		$ 494,000		$ 333,000
Global Water Management | FATHOM Services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual cost payable				$ 1,500,000
Cost per water account/month | $ / Wateraccount				6.24
Cost of services		366,000	467,000	$ 1,091,000	1,403,000
GWR Global Water Resources Corp
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Business combination, accounts payable							$ 731,000
Business combination, deferred compensation							353,000
Business combination, tax liability							$ 1,400,000
GWR Global Water Resources Corp
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage								47.80%
Equity distribution payments on behalf of related party				$ 0	650,000
Global Water Management
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase agreement period				10 years
Services agreement contract term				10 years
Amended services agreement, Maturity date	Dec. 31, 2026
Royalty		88,000	$ 87,000	$ 275,000	$ 264,000
Global Water Management | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty payments		15,000,000		15,000,000
Global Water Management | Meter Replacement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Meter replacement program cost				11,400,000
Meter replacement program paid		$ 10,000,000		$ 10,000,000
Global Water Management | Services Agreement Before Amendment
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Estimated cost per water account/month | $ / Wateraccount	7.79
Global Water Management | Services Agreement After Amendment
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Estimated cost per water account/month | $ / Wateraccount	6.24

Accrued Expenses - Schedule of

Accrued Expenses - Schedule of Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred compensation	$ 2,006	$ 1,920
Interest	1,769	483
Dividend payable	470	458
Property taxes	459	910
Project accruals	374	48
Other accrued liabilities	2,332	2,350
Total accrued liabilities	8,827	7,602
Meter Replacement
Meter replacement - related party	1,417	1,255
GWR Global Water Resources Corp
Tax obligation related to GWRC merger	$ 0	$ 178

Debt - Schedule of Outstanding

Debt - Schedule of Outstanding Balances and Maturity Dates for Short Term and Long Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Short-term
Capital lease obligations	$ 0	$ 25
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Total debt	8	25
Long-term
Long-term debt, noncurrent	115,067	115,000
Capital lease obligations	0	54
Debt issuance costs	(704)	(737)
Long-term debt and capital leases	114,355	114,317
BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE -
Short-term
Short-term debt	8	0
Long-term
Long-term debt, noncurrent	115,059	115,000
BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE - | 4.380% Series A 2016, maturing June 2028
Short-term
Short-term debt	0	0
Long-term
Long-term debt, noncurrent	28,750	28,750
BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE - | 4.580% Series B 2016, maturing June 2036
Short-term
Short-term debt	0	0
Long-term
Long-term debt, noncurrent	86,250	86,250
BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE - | 1.200% WIFA Loan, maturing October 2032
Short-term
Short-term debt	3	0
Long-term
Long-term debt, noncurrent	43	0
BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE - | 4.650% Harquahala Loan, maturing January 2021
Short-term
Short-term debt	5	0
Long-term
Long-term debt, noncurrent	$ 16	$ 0

Debt - Schedule of Outstandin44

Debt - Schedule of Outstanding Balances and Maturity Dates for Short Term and Long Term Debt (Additional Information) (Details) - BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE -	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
4.380% Series A 2016, maturing June 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.38%
Debt instrument, maturity date	2028-06
4.580% Series B 2016, maturing June 2036
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.58%
Debt instrument, maturity date	2036-06
1.200% WIFA Loan, maturing October 2032
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.20%
Debt instrument, maturity date	2032-10
4.650% Harquahala Loan, maturing January 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.65%
Debt instrument, maturity date	2021-01

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Details)	Jun. 24, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash paid for prepayment penalty			$ 0	$ 3,201,000
Write off of capitalized loan fees			0	$ 2,165,000
Long-term debt, noncurrent			115,067,000			$ 115,000,000
Long-term debt, fair value			115,200,000			108,400,000
Eagletail Water Company
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
DebtInstrumentsNumberofInstruments					2
1.200% WIFA Loan, maturing October 2032
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Debt			46,000
4.650% Harquahala Loan, maturing January 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Debt			21,000
BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE -
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, noncurrent			$ 115,059,000			115,000,000
BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE - | 4.380% Series A 2016, maturing June 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate			4.38%
Long-term debt, noncurrent			$ 28,750,000			28,750,000
Debt instrument, maturity date			2028-06
BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE - | 4.580% Series B 2016, maturing June 2036
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate			4.58%
Long-term debt, noncurrent			$ 86,250,000			86,250,000
Debt instrument, maturity date			2036-06
BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE - | 1.200% WIFA Loan, maturing October 2032
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate			1.20%
Debt instrument, term			20 years
Long-term debt, noncurrent			$ 43,000			0
Debt instrument, maturity date			2032-10
BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE - | 4.650% Harquahala Loan, maturing January 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate			4.65%
Debt instrument, term			15 years
Long-term debt, noncurrent			$ 16,000			$ 0
Debt instrument, maturity date			2021-01
2016 Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
DebtInstrumentsNumberofInstruments	2
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 115,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.55%
Redemption percentage of principal amount	103.00%
Cash paid for prepayment penalty		$ 3,200,000
Write off of capitalized loan fees		$ 2,200,000
Debt service coverage ratio	110.00%
Debt service coverage ratio limiting dividend payment	125.00%
Future Debt service coverage ratio for June 30, 2021 through the quarter ending March 31, 2024	120.00%
Debt instrument, covenant description			The senior secured notes require the Company maintain a debt service coverage ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated debt service of at least 1.10 to 1.00. Consolidated EBITDA is calculated as net income plus depreciation, taxes, interest and other non-cash charges net of non-cash income. Consolidated debt service is calculated as interest expense, principal payments, and dividend or stock repurchases. The senior secured notes also contain a provision limiting the payment of dividends if the Company falls below a debt service ratio of 1.25. However, for the quarter ending June 30, 2021 through the quarter ending March 31, 2024, the ratio drops to 1.20.
2016 Senior Secured Notes | Series A Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 28,800,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.38%
Debt instrument, term	12 years
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jun. 15, 2028
2016 Senior Secured Notes | Series B Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 86,300,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.58%
Debt instrument, term	20 years
Debt Instrument, principal payments	$ 1,900,000
Debt instrument, frequency of periodic payment			Series B is interest only for the first five years, with $1.9 million principal payments paid semiannually thereafter.

Debt - Schedule of Aggregate An

Debt - Schedule of Aggregate Annual Maturities of Debt And Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt, 2017	$ 2
Debt, 2018	7
Debt, 2019	8
Debt, 2020	10
Debt, 2021	1,921
Debt, thereafter	113,119
Debt, subtotal	115,067
amount representing interest	0
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	$ 115,067	$ 115,000

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 766	$ 800	$ 1,227	$ (1,353)
Pre tax income (loss)	$ 1,969	$ 2,085	$ 3,044	$ (3,913)

Deferred Compensation Awards -

Deferred Compensation Awards - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	May 20, 2016$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2017shares	May 31, 2016shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)shares	Aug. 10, 2017$ / shares	May 02, 2016$ / CAD
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification						$ 0	$ 103
Number of options outstanding, to acquire shares of GWRI common stock | shares				740,000		740,000
Foreign exchange rate translation | $ / CAD									0.7969
Phantom Stock Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting terms						Vesting occurs ratably over 12 consecutive quarters beginning in the period granted.
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification						$ 103
New Accounting Pronouncement Or Change In Accounting Principle Effect Of Change On Equity Tax						38
PSUs and SARs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense				$ 97	$ 28	$ 962	$ 1,200
2016 stock option grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting terms						The options vest over a two-year period, with 50% vesting in May 2017 and 50% vesting in May 2018.
Common stock, options granted | shares			325,000
Options, exercise price per share | $ / shares	$ 7.50
Vesting terms						2 years
Expiration period						3 years
Fair value of the stock option expense						$ 348
2016 stock option grant | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding, to acquire shares of GWRI common stock | shares				275,000	325,000	275,000	325,000
Stock-based compensation expense				$ 43	$ 43	$ 130	$ 63
Options exercised (in shares) | shares						50,000
2016 stock option grant | Vest on May 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting terms						2 years
Vesting percentage						50.00%
2016 stock option grant | Vest on May 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage						50.00%
2017 stock option grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Split-adjusted exercise price of options | $ / shares								$ 9.40
Common stock, options granted | shares		465,000
Vesting terms						4 years
Expiration period						10 years
Fair value of the stock option expense						$ 1,300
2017 stock option grant | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding, to acquire shares of GWRI common stock | shares				465,000		465,000
Stock-based compensation expense				$ 44		$ 44
2017 stock option grant | Vest on August 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting terms						4 years
Vesting percentage						25.00%
2017 stock option grant | Vest on August 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage						25.00%
2017 stock option grant | Vest on August 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage						25.00%
2017 stock option grant | Vest on August 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage						25.00%

Deferred Compensation Awards 49

Deferred Compensation Awards - Schedule of Total Awards Granted and Number of Units Outstanding (Details) - Phantom Stock Units (PSUs) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			171,637
Units Outstanding	41,147		41,147
Amounts Paid	$ 72	$ 45	$ 185	$ 122
Q1 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			76,492
Amounts Paid		0	$ 0	29
Q1 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			8,775
Amounts Paid	$ 0	3	$ 3	7
Q1 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			28,828
Units Outstanding	4,805		4,805
Amounts Paid	$ 24	19	$ 67	46
Q1 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			34,830
Units Outstanding	17,415		17,415
Amounts Paid	$ 29	$ 23	$ 80	$ 40
Q1 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			22,712
Units Outstanding	18,927		18,927
Amounts Paid	$ 19		$ 35

Deferred Compensation Awards 50

Deferred Compensation Awards - Schedule of Recipients of SARs Awards, Grant Date, Units Granted, Exercise Price, Outstanding Shares and Amounts Paid (Details) - Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			902,000
Units Outstanding	681,500		681,500
Amounts Paid	$ 0	$ 63	$ 678	$ 400
Key Executive | Q3 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			100,000
Exercise Price			$ 1.59
Units Outstanding	20,000		20,000
Amounts Paid	$ 0	0	$ 366	151
Key Executive | Q4 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			100,000
Exercise Price			$ 2.69
Units Outstanding	25,500		25,500
Amounts Paid	$ 0	0	$ 312	137
Key Executive | Q2 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			300,000
Exercise Price			$ 5.13
Units Outstanding	300,000		300,000
Amounts Paid		0		0
Members of Management | Q1 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			299,000
Exercise Price			$ 4.26
Units Outstanding	233,000		233,000
Amounts Paid		$ 63		$ 112
Members of Management | Q3 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units Granted			103,000
Exercise Price			$ 9.40
Units Outstanding	103,000		103,000

Deferred Compensation Awards 51

Deferred Compensation Awards - Schedule of Estimated Future Compensation Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
PSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
2,017	$ 69
2,018	184
2,019	73
2,020	0
2,021	0
Total	326
SARs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
2,017	216
2,018	863
2,019	186
2,020	67
2,021	50
Total	$ 1,382

Deferred Compensation Awards 52

Deferred Compensation Awards - Schedule of Recipients of SARs Awards, Grant Date, Units Granted, Exercise Price, Outstanding Shares and Amounts Paid (Additional) (Details) - Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Key Executive | Q3 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting terms	The SARs vest ratably over sixteen quarters from the grant date.
Key Executive | Q4 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting terms	The SARs vest ratably over sixteen quarters from the grant date.
Key Executive | Q2 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting terms	The SARs vest over sixteen quarters, vesting 20% per year for the first three years, with the remainder (40%) vesting in year four.
Key Executive | Q2 2015 | Year One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	20.00%
Key Executive | Q2 2015 | Year Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	20.00%
Key Executive | Q2 2015 | Year Three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	20.00%
Key Executive | Q2 2015 | Year Four
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	40.00%
Members of Management | Q1 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting terms	The SARs vest ratably over sixteen quarters from the grant date.

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform53

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for interest	$ 2,616	$ 3,491
Cash paid for bond prepayment fee	0	3,201
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,212	1,171
Equity method investment gain on recapitalization of FATHOM™	243	0
Deferred compensation change in accounting principle	0	103
Reclassification of deferred IPO costs to equity	0	97
GWR Global Water Resources Corp
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for GWRC tax liability	$ 125	$ 0

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - Office Space - USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating leases term of lease agreement	3 years
Operating leases monthly rental expense related to new agreement				$ 8,000
Operating leases rent expense		$ 25,000	$ 25,000	$ 74,000	$ 67,000
Operating leases term of expiration				2019-02

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares	Nov. 09, 2017	Nov. 08, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)			$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.21	$ 0.20
Subsequent Event | Monthly Dividends Declared
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02363	$ 0.02306
Subsequent Event | Annual Dividends Declared
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28350	$ 0.27672