County water districts: County of Ventura: fire suppression.

Assembly Member Bennett's legislation addressing fire safety infrastructure in Ventura County would require water districts serving more than 20 residential dwellings in high or very high fire hazard severity zones to maintain backup power systems for their water delivery operations. The backup systems must be capable of operating wells and pumps at normal capacity for at least 24 hours during power shutoffs, unless the water systems are gravity-fed.

The bill establishes new oversight mechanisms through the Ventura County Fire Department, mandating annual inspections of water facilities to verify compliance with county fire safety standards. Water districts would need to coordinate with the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services, maintaining full water tanks when directed based on weather conditions and providing notifications when water delivery capacity is reduced due to equipment issues or maintenance. Following fires that destroy more than 10 residential dwellings or cause over $3 million in damages to any residential dwelling, the affected water district and fire department must jointly assess and report on the water delivery system to the County Board of Supervisors.

These requirements apply specifically to Ventura County based on the Legislature's determination of the area's distinct fire history. While the bill creates new mandates for local agencies, it allows them to levy service charges and fees to fund implementation rather than requiring state reimbursement. The provisions aim to ensure reliable water access for fire suppression in high-risk areas through backup power systems, regular safety inspections, and coordinated emergency response protocols.