Assemblymember Steve Bennett’s AB 367 (enacted 2025) outlines targeted standards for Ventura County water purveyors in high/very high fire-risk zones serving 20+ residences, drawn from lessons in fires like Thomas and Mountain. These form a comprehensive “7 points” framework to ensure reliable fire suppression water during de-energization and extreme weather:
- Top off water tanks upon notification from Ventura County Office of Emergency Services (OES) for dangerous conditions.
- Provide backup power sources operational within 12 hours of OES notification to run wells/pumps at full capacity.
- Fire-harden wells, pumps, and backup generators against flames.
- Conduct annual reviews to verify infrastructure meets fire safety standards.
- Submit post-major fire reports to the Board of Supervisors on tank levels, backup power performance, and hardening effectiveness.
- Ensure backup energy sources are positioned and reliable for sustained operation during outages.
- Alert Ventura County OES within 3 business days if water delivery capacity drops due to equipment failure or maintenance.
CUEA aims to support our members to be able to meet the intent of these points, while being practical about the resources needed to meet the goals of the framework.
