Article 1. Powers In General of California Water Code >> Division 3. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 1.

The department, under the police power of the state, shall supervise the construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, maintenance, operation, and removal of dams and reservoirs for the protection of life and property as provided in this part.

All dams and reservoirs in the state are under the jurisdiction of the department.

It is unlawful to construct, enlarge, repair, alter, remove, maintain, or operate any dam or reservoir except upon approval of the department as provided in this part.

The department shall adopt and revise from time to time such rules and regulations and issue such general orders as may be necessary for carrying out, but not inconsistent with, the provisions of this part.

In carrying out the provisions of this part the department may cooperate with the United States or any of its agencies.

In making any investigations or inspections required or authorized by this part the department or its representatives may enter upon private property as may be necessary.

In determining whether or not a dam or reservoir or proposed dam or reservoir constitutes or would constitute a danger to life or property, the department shall take into consideration the possibility that the dam or reservoir might be endangered by seepage, earth movement, or other conditions which exist or which might occur in any area in the vicinity of the dam or reservoir. Whenever the department deems that any such condition endangers a dam or reservoir, it shall order the owner to take such action as the department determines to be necessary to remove the resultant danger to life and property.