California Senate passes bill shielding water agencies from wildfire hydrant lawsuits

California lawmakers have approved Senate Bill 1153, which aims to protect public water agencies from lawsuits alleging negligence over dry hydrants in wildfires. The bill makes clear that agencies are not required to build or keep water systems capable of fighting large, climate-driven fires, and that loss of pressure does not constitute a substantial cause of fire damage. It also mandates that urban retail water suppliers in high-hazard areas include detailed wildfire response procedures in their disaster preparedness plans.

Sponsored by the Association of California Water Agencies, the measure seeks to reduce litigation costs that could otherwise increase water rates for consumers. The legislation is pending Governor Gavin Newsom's signature. Critics note that it does not alter existing negligence standards but may guide future court decisions.