Section 116684 Of Article 9. Remedies From California Health And Safety Code >> Division 104. >> Part 12. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 9.
116684
. (a) Liability of a consolidated water system, wholesaler,
or any other agency in the chain of distribution that delivers water
to a consolidated water system shall be limited as described in this
section.
(b) (1) The consolidated water system, wholesaler, or any other
agency in the chain of distribution that delivers water to a
consolidated water system, shall not be held liable for claims by
past or existing customers or those who consumed water provided
through the subsumed water system concerning the operation and supply
of water from the subsumed water system during the interim operation
period specified in subdivision (d) for any good faith, reasonable
effort using ordinary care to assume possession of, to operate, or to
supply water to the subsumed water system.
(2) The consolidated water system, wholesaler, or any other agency
in the chain of distribution that delivers water to a consolidated
water system, shall not be held liable for claims by past or existing
customers or by those who consumed water provided through the
subsumed water system for any injury that occurred prior to the
commencement of the interim operation period specified in subdivision
(d).
(c) (1) The consolidated water system, wholesaler, or any other
agency in the chain of distribution that delivers water to a
consolidated water system, shall not be held liable for claims by
past or existing customers or by those who consumed water provided
through the subsumed water system concerning the provision of
supplemental imported water supplies to the subsumed water system
during the interim operation period specified in subdivision (d) for
any good faith, reasonable effort using ordinary care to supply water
to the subsumed water system.
(2) The consolidated water system, wholesaler, or any other agency
in the chain of distribution that delivers water to a consolidated
water system, shall not be held liable for claims by past or existing
customers or by those who consumed water provided through the
subsumed water system concerning the operation and supply of water
from the subsumed water system for any injury that occurred prior to
the commencement of the interim operation period specified in
subdivision (d).
(3) This subdivision shall only apply if the water supplied by the
consolidated water system through a temporary potable service
pipeline to the subsumed water system meets or exceeds federal and
state drinking water quality standards.
(d) (1) The interim operation period shall commence upon the
connection of a temporary potable service pipeline by the
consolidated water system to the subsumed water system, or upon the
execution of an agreement between the consolidated water system,
subsumed water system, and any other signatories to provide service
to the customers of the subsumed water system, whichever occurs
first.
(2) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the interim
operation period shall last until permanent replacement facilities
are accepted by the consolidated water system with the concurrence of
the State Water Resources Control Board and the facilities and water
supply meet drinking water and water quality standards.
(B) Upon the showing of good cause, the interim operation period
shall be extended by the State Water Resources Control Board for up
to three successive one-year periods at the request of the
consolidated water system.
(3) The acceptance date of permanent replacement facilities shall
be publicly noticed by the consolidated water system.
(e) Subdivision (b) shall only apply if the consolidated water
system provides water to the subsumed water system in accordance with
all of the following conditions:
(1) Water provided by the consolidated water system through a
temporary potable service pipeline to the subsumed water system shall
meet or exceed federal and state drinking water quality standards.
(2) Reasonable water system flow and pressure through a temporary
potable service pipeline shall be maintained during the interim
operation period based upon the condition and integrity of the
existing subsumed water system, and any disruptions to water delivery
resulting from construction-related activities associated with the
installation of permanent replacement facilities shall be minimal.
(3) The consolidated water system shall notify fire officials
serving the subsumed water system service area of the condition and
firefighting support capabilities of the subsumed water system and
planned improvements with the installation of permanent replacement
facilities thereto. The consolidated water system shall maintain or
improve the condition and firefighting support capabilities of the
subsumed water system during the interim operation period.
(4) Customers of the subsumed water system shall receive written
notice upon any change in possession, control, or operation of the
water system.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to do any of the
following:
(1) Relieve any water district, water wholesaler, or any other
entity from complying with any provision of federal or state law
pertaining to drinking water quality.
(2) Impair any cause of action by the Attorney General, a district
attorney, a city attorney, or any other public prosecutor, or impair
any other action or proceeding brought by or on behalf of a
regulatory agency.
(3) Impair any claim alleging the taking of property without
compensation within the meaning of either the Fifth Amendment to the
United States Constitution or Section 19 of Article I of the
California Constitution.