Existing law requires the governing body of a public water supplier to declare a water shortage emergency condition if the supplier makes certain findings. Existing law requires a public water supply that declares the existence of an emergency condition of water shortage to adopt regulations and restrictions on the delivery and consumption of water to conserve the water supply for the greatest public benefit. Existing law requires the declaration to be made only after a public hearing except in the event of a breakage or failure of a dam, pump, pipeline, or conduit causing an immediate emergency.

This bill would additionally authorize a public water supplier to declare a water shortage emergency condition without holding a public hearing in the event of a wildfire.