This chapter shall not apply to state small water systems except as provided under this section:
(a) The state board shall adopt regulations specifying minimum requirements for operation of a state small water system. The requirements may be less stringent than the requirements for public water systems as set forth in this chapter.
(b) The minimum requirements for state small water systems adopted by the state board pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be enforced by the local health officer or a local health agency designated by the local health officer. In counties that do not have a local health officer, the requirements shall be enforced by the state board. Local health agencies may adopt more stringent requirements for state small water systems than those specified in the state regulations.
(c) The reasonable costs of the local health officer in carrying out the requirements of this section may be recovered through the imposition of fees on state small water systems by the local governing body in accordance with Section 101325.
(d) Sections 116400, 116530, 116665, and 116735 and Article 10 (commencing with Section 116700) apply to a state small water system to the same extent as those sections apply to a public water system. Section 116650 applies to a state small system for a violation of a requirement or order that applies to a state small system under this section.
(e) This section does not limit the remedies available, civil or criminal, for violations or requirements of this chapter that apply to a state small water system or for consistent failure to provide an adequate supply of safe drinking water.
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 2. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)