LOS BANOS, CA (July 23rd, 2025) — The City of Los Banos has officially co-sponsored Senate Bill 466, introduced by State Senator Anna Caballero, which would temporarily protect public water systems from civil lawsuits related to chromium-6 contamination while they implement or await approval of state compliance plans.
The controversy surrounding chromium-6 gained national attention in the 1990s when environmental advocate Erin Brockovich helped expose Pacific Gas and Electric’s contamination of drinking water in Hinkley, California—resulting in a landmark $333 million settlement. That case, later popularized by the 2000 film Erin Brockovich, brought widespread awareness to the cancer-causing risks of hexavalent chromium. Today, Los Banos finds itself grappling with the same chemical, as elevated levels in its groundwater have triggered new state regulations. While the circumstances differ, the underlying concern remains the same: ensuring that communities—especially small, working-class towns like Los Banos—have access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water without being burdened by litigation or unsustainable infrastructure costs.
Los Banos relies on 11 groundwater wells to serve approximately 50,000 residents. Testing has confirmed naturally occurring chromium-6 levels above California’s legal limit of 10 parts per billion. Seasonal blending using water from Los Banos Creek helps reduce contaminant levels during wetter months, but some wells remain out of compliance.
SB 466 would grant temporary immunity from civil lawsuits for water systems that are either following or awaiting approval of a plan to meet the state’s chromium-6 drinking water standard. The immunity does not protect private companies or prevent state enforcement actions.
City officials estimate that bringing Los Banos into full compliance could cost around $65 million—roughly half of the city’s annual budget. Local leaders argue that without legal protections, the city could face lawsuits that drain funds needed for infrastructure improvements and water treatment.
Los Banos is considered a disadvantaged community, and officials warn that sharp rate hikes to cover treatment costs would disproportionately affect seniors, working-class families, and residents on fixed incomes.
SB 466 has already passed the State Senate and cleared a key Assembly committee. A full vote is expected in August. Meanwhile, Los Banos plans to submit a compliance plan to the State Water Resources Control Board later this year.
If passed, SB 466 would give the city the time and legal protection it needs to upgrade its water system without immediate fear of costly litigation, while still working toward delivering safe, compliant drinking water to its residents.
