Cal. Water Code § 6111 : California Water Code — Dams And Reservoirs — Powers Of The Department — Emergency Work — Powers in emergency Date: 15 Sep 2016 TEXT PDF Current through the 2016 Legislative Session In applying the remedial means provided for in this article, the department may in emergency do any of the following: (a) Lower the water level by releasing water from the reservoir. (b) Completely empty the reservoir. (c) Take such other steps as may be essential to safeguard life and property. Ca. Water Code § 6111