In response to growing concerns about water shortages and the sustainability of groundwater wells, Plumas County has announced the formation of the Plumas Drought Taskforce, dedicated to developing a comprehensive Drought Resilience Plan (DRP). This initiative aims to equip the county with strategies to mitigate the impacts of future droughts and water shortage emergencies, safeguarding the community’s water supply.
The Plumas County Drought Resilience Plan is designed to support state small water systems and domestic wells, ensuring that these crucial resources remain reliable even in the face of prolonged dry periods. By being proactive, the county hopes to reduce the hardships experienced by residents during water shortages and enhance overall water supply resilience.
Public Involvement and Meeting Schedule
Residents are encouraged to participate in the development of this vital plan by attending the first public meeting on July 24, 2024. This meeting will provide an overview of the County’s efforts and offer a platform for community members to share their concerns and priorities regarding water shortages. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for email updates about the County DRP and future engagement opportunities.
Understanding the Drought Resilience Plan
The County DRP will include a comprehensive water shortage risk assessment, short-term response actions, and long-term mitigation strategies. These elements are designed to ensure that small water systems and domestic wells can withstand future droughts and other emergencies such as wildfires, earthquakes, and floods.
Key Definitions
State Small Water System (SSWS): A system providing piped water to at least 5 but no more than 14 service connections, serving no more than an average of 25 individuals daily for over 60 days annually.
Domestic Well: A groundwater well supplying water for individual residences or small systems with no more than four service connections.
Legislative Background
The initiative follows the signing of Senate Bill 552 by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2021, which mandates counties to enhance water resilience for small water suppliers and rural communities. This legislation underscores the importance of local government leadership in managing water resources during shortages.
The Role of the Taskforce
The Plumas County Drought and Water Shortage Taskforce comprises experts from the Department of Public Works, Environmental Health, and Emergency Services. This advisory body is responsible for developing the DRP, presenting it to the County Board of Supervisors, and overseeing its implementation.
Staying Informed and Engaged
Community members can stay informed about the DRP and provide input through various channels:
Email Updates: Sign up to receive regular updates on the DRP’s progress and engagement opportunities.
Public Meetings: Attend hybrid public meetings, either in-person or via Zoom. The first meeting on July 24 will cover the DRP overview and baseline risk assessment.
Ongoing Engagement: Additional meetings and outreach activities will be scheduled throughout the development process, ensuring continuous community involvement.
Tentative Meeting Schedule
July 24, 2024: Overview and Baseline Risk Assessment Summary
Fall 2024: Revised Risk Assessment and Draft Short-term Response Actions
Winter 2024/25: Revised Short-term Response Actions and Draft Long-term Mitigation Strategies
Winter/Spring 2025: Presentation of Draft DRP and Implementation Considerations
For more information and to stay updated on the County DRP, visit the official Plumas County website. The community’s input is invaluable in shaping a resilient and sustainable water future for Plumas County.
