California Water Code Section 128

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(a) In times of extraordinary stress and of disaster,
resulting from storms and floods, or where damage to watershed lands
by forest fires has created an imminent threat of floods and damage
by water, mud, or debris upon the occurrence of storms,  the
department may perform any work required or take any remedial
measures necessary to avert, alleviate, repair, or restore damage or
destruction to property having a general public and state interest
and to protect the health, safety, convenience, and welfare of the
general public of the state.  In carrying out that work, the
department may perform the work itself or through or in cooperation
with any other state department or agency, the federal government, or
any political subdivision, city, or district.
   (b) This section is intended to supplement the emergency services
of the state, and nothing in this section overrides or supersedes the
authority of the Director of the Office of Emergency Services to
coordinate and supervise state action, upon a declaration of a state
of emergency, under the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7
(commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the
Government Code) or the Disaster Assistance Act (Chapter 7.5
(commencing with Section 8680) of that division).

Last modified: July 31, 2008