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Drought Advisory Group for Small Water Systems and Domestic Wells

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Published on August 06, 2024. Last modified on October 11, 2024

Background and Purpose of the Monterey County Drought Advisory Group

In September 2021, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 552 (Hertzberg), enacting California Water Code sections 10609.50 through 10609.80. This state law requires counties to establish a task force or other alternative process to facilitate “drought and water shortage preparedness” for state small water systems and domestic wells (Water Code section 10609.70(a)(1) and (2).) The law also requires counties to develop a plan to improve long-term water resilience for small water suppliers.

In compliance with the law, the Monterey County Health Department, Environmental Health Bureau (EHB), is establishing the Monterey County Drought Advisory Group for Small Water Systems and Domestic Wells (“Drought Advisory Group”). The purpose of the Drought Advisory Group is to advise staff and provide recommendations to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on the development of a Drought Resilience Plan for state small water systems, local small water systems, and domestic wells within the County. The Drought Advisory Group will also serve as a mechanism for communication and coordination among County departments, groundwater sustainable agencies, and other key agencies and organizations and people representing state small water systems, local small water systems, and domestic wells within the County to help prepare for and respond to drought or water shortage conditions.

Primer of Senate Bill 552: Drought Planning for Small Water Suppliers and Rural Communities

Drought Advisory Group Members List