A new California law requires home sellers to disclose water well issues to potential buyers.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 1366 from state Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) on Friday ensuring rural homebuyers know about well or water tank issues on properties.

“The California dream is centered on one’s ability to own a home. For too many families in rural communities, this dream has been shattered when homes they purchase do not have access to safe, affordable water and become reliant on domestic water tanks,” said Hurtado. “No family should move into a home without knowing it might face water shortages and costly repairs.”

California Adds Water to Lead, Natural Hazard Disclosure Requirements

California law requires home sellers to disclose threats from natural hazards and the presence of lead-based paint. Well issues now join that list.

Hurtado’s bill received unanimous support from legislators. Visalia-based Self-Help Enterprises, a nonprofit housing developer, sponsored the bill.

“We believe it is crucial and incumbent upon sellers to provide potential homebuyers with the information they need to make informed decisions about the biggest investment they may ever make in their lives,” said Tom Collishaw, president and CEO of Self-Help Enterprises.