CAL.Regulation
California requires large water suppliers in fire zones to add wildfire procedures
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1153 on September 29, 2026. It adds Government Code section 8607.3, requiring water suppliers serving at least 3,300 people in high or very high fire-hazard severity zones to include wildfire incident procedures in their disaster plans beginning January 1, 2028. The bill creates no duty to build infrastructure for wildfire defense.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor
Key points
- Water suppliers serving 3,300+ people in high or very high fire zones must add wildfire procedures to disaster plans.California Legislative Information
- Effective January 1, 2028.California Legislative Information
- Creates no duty to build systems for wildfire defense; failing to maintain pressure or follow procedures is not a substantial cause of wildfire damages.California Legislative Information
- Signed September 29, 2026 as part of California's wildfire prevention and response package.Office of the Governor
- Chapter 776, Statutes of 2026, adds Government Code section 8607.3; violations by covered suppliers are misdemeanors.California Legislative Information
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
Office of the Governor