Trial is set to begin Monday in the city of Claremont’s attempt to take over a water system from Golden State Water, the private utility serving the city.

In Nov. 2014, 72 percent of Claremont voters, upset over rising water rates, approved a measure authorizing the city to sell up to $135 million in bonds to finance the purchase. But Golden State Water, a subsidiary of American States Water Co. of San Dimas, refused to sell. The following month, Claremont filed suit in state court seeking to force a sale through the use of eminent domain. It is that suit that’s now coming to trial before Judge Richard Fruin in Los Angeles Superior Court.

The trial is expected to last about five weeks, according to Claremont City Manager Tony Ramos in a weekly newsletter item on the trial opening. Several expert witnesses are expected to testify for both sides.

See previous Business Journal coverage here.

Public policy and energy reporter Howard Fine can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @howardafine.