Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board approve the grant application for the County Drought Resiliency Planning Grant Program through the California Department of Water Resources for grant funds up to $125,000.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Senate Bill 552 Requirements for Counties
Under Senate Bill 552, passed and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2021, State and local governments will share the responsibility in preparing for and acting in the case of a water shortage event. The bill outlines the new requirements for small water suppliers, county governments, State of California Department Water Resources (DWR), and the State Water Resources Control Board to implement more proactive drought planning and be better prepared for future water shortage events or dry years.
Through SB 552, the California State Legislature identified counties as the best-suited government entity to provide the needed leadership to improve water resilience for state small water systems and domestic wells. Accordingly, each county, per SB 552, is required to:
1) Establish and convene a standing drought task force to facilitate drought and water shortage preparedness for state small water systems (serving 5 to 14 connections), domestic wells, and other privately supplied homes within the county’s jurisdiction.
2) Develop a plan demonstrating the potential drought and water shortage risk and proposed interim and long-term solutions for state small water systems and domestic wells within the county.
Status of SB 552 Implementation in El Dorado County
On February 22, 2022 (item 22-0202), the Board approved El Dorado County Water Agency (EDWA) to lead this effort given their role as a countywide water resource planning agency and their past engagement in the DWR County Drought Advisory Group that developed the basis for the SB 552 legislation and participation in the development of DWR’s SB 552 implementation program.
EDWA has established an...
Click here for full text