§ 6355 Dam Safety Certification

Water Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•You need a special paper (certificate) to say your dam or reservoir is safe to hold water.
•The government checks if your dam or reservoir is safe before giving you the paper.
•You can't fill your dam or reservoir with water until you get this paper.

Example

You build a big pond on your farm to hold water for your animals.

You can't fill the pond with water until the government checks it and gives you a paper saying it's safe. If you fill it without the paper, you're breaking the law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 6355 Dam Safety Certification

A certificate of approval shall be issued upon a finding that the dam or reservoir is safe to impound water within the limitations prescribed in the certificate. Upon written request by an owner for a certificate of approval, the department shall issue the certificate if it finds that the dam or reservoir is safe to impound water within the limitations prescribed in the certificate. Pending issuance of a certificate of approval by the department, the owner of the dam or reservoir shall not, through action or inaction, cause the dam or reservoir to impound water. (Amended by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1225.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

certificate of approval impound water limitations prescribed in the certificate

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Water Code. Section 6355.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

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References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References