On Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 394, a measure co-sponsored by the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) and the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) to combat water theft across California. Authored by Sen. Ben Allen (D–Santa Monica), the new law enhances penalties and enforcement tools for agencies working to stop illegal diversions from fire hydrants—an issue that threatens water reliability, public safety and ratepayers statewide.

In recent years, LVMWD has estimated losses of millions of gallons of water due to unauthorized hydrant use, resulting in substantial revenue loss. Beyond the financial toll, illegal diversions have the potential to damage hydrants, reduce water pressure, and risk contamination of the public water supply

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With SB 394 now law, water agencies like LVMWD have stronger tools to deter theft, hold violators accountable and protect the integrity of local water systems.

“Governor Newsom’s signature on SB 394 marks a major victory for water reliability and public safety across California,” said Andy Coradeschi, LVMWD Board President. “We thank Senator Ben Allen for his leadership and collaboration in championing this effort, and we’re grateful to Governor Newsom for recognizing the importance of safeguarding every drop of water for the communities we serve.”

Key Provisions of SB 394 include:

• Enhanced Penalties: Fines up to $2,500 for first-time violations and up to $10,000 for repeat offenses, targeting commercial operators engaged in illegal hydrant use.
• Civil Enforcement: Empowers water agencies to pursue civil damages against individuals or companies that tamper with or divert water from hydrants.
•  Public Safety Protection: Helps maintain system pressure during emergencies and prevents contamination risks.
• Ratepayer Protection: Ensures financial responsibility for theft and damages rests on violators, not local communities.

SB 394 takes effect January 1, 2026.