AB 2013 (Bennett) - Oppose Unless Amended
AB 2013 (Bennett) would require water suppliers that service more than 100 customers in high-risk areas to prepare an emergency preparedness plan for response to red flag warnings, extreme weather events, and other major power outages.
The bill would require the plans to include:
1) An assessment of the minimum water tank levels and minimum number and type of water pumps necessary to provide an adequate water supply for firefighting activities, including the identification of water pumps that require the installation of emergency backup power.
2) An identification of alternative water sources available during extreme weather events or power outages.
3) A detailed accounting of the pipelines, water pumps, water tanks, backup power generation facilities, and related infrastructure necessary to provide an adequate water supply for firefighting activities, and a designation of if they are, or are required to be, fire hardened.
AB 2013 misrepresents the role of public water systems during wildfires, fails to account for the operational realities and complexities of water systems, and could subject water suppliers to increased legal liability after a wildfire.
Please complete the following questions to be added to ACWA's coalition to oppose AB 2013 unless amended. If you have any questions regarding this survey, please email Jen Stein at JenS@acwa.com.