Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 116596

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) The state board shall require a public water system that has experienced a wildfire event of 300 acres or more, if the event damaged or destroyed a structure or structures connected to the public water system's water distribution system, to perform sample collection and analysis of its source waters, treatment facilities, conveyance facilities, distribution systems, or a combination thereof, for the presence of benzene as soon as it is safe to do so.

(b) If a public water system conducts sampling and finds detectable concentrations of benzene, the state board may require a public water system response, including all the following:

(1) A requirement that investigation and additional testing be completed in consultation with, or at the direction of, the state board.

(2) Timelines for investigation and additional testing.

(3) Additional testing frequency and duration.

(4) Additional testing locations, such as specific locations within a distribution system.

(5) Flushing prior to confirmed detections of contamination.

(6) Requirements to provide notice to affected customers upon a finding of contamination, including the form and content of the notices and when the notice shall be provided.

(7) Remediation measures if contamination is found in the source waters, treatment facilities, conveyance facilities, distribution systems, or a combination thereof, such as taking sources offline, flushing within the distribution system, repairs, and replacements.

(c) For purposes of this section, “wildfire” has the same meaning as defined in Section 51177 of the Government Code.

(d) This section does not limit the state board's authority under any other law.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 116596 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/health-and-safety-code/hsc-sect-116596/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard