Water: County of Ventura: fire suppression.

Assembly Member Bennett's fire safety legislation requires Ventura County water suppliers serving more than 20 residential dwellings in high-risk fire zones to maintain 24-hour backup power capabilities for critical wells and pumps by July 2027. The measure establishes new infrastructure requirements and oversight mechanisms specifically designed for Ventura County's fire-prone regions.

Under the bill's provisions, water suppliers must identify essential infrastructure, develop emergency preparedness plans, and coordinate with county emergency services. The Ventura County Fire Department will create minimum fire safety standards by January 2027 and conduct annual inspections of critical wells, pumps, and generators both within and serving high-risk zones. Water suppliers must notify county emergency services within three business days of any reduction in water delivery capacity that could impede firefighting operations.

The legislation includes specific implementation timelines and compliance flexibility. Water suppliers with existing backup generator contracts prior to July 2027 have until January 2030 to obtain equipment. Systems that are gravity-fed or do not provide fire suppression water are exempt. When fires damage more than 10 residential dwellings in a supplier's service area, the county fire department must assess and report on water system preparedness and performance to the Board of Supervisors.