Title
a. Receive and consider a report on implementation of SB 552 relating to drought and water shortage planning for small water systems and domestic wells; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
c. Proposed CEQA Action: Find the action is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15378(b)(5).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive and consider a report on implementation of SB 552 relating to drought and water shortage planning for small water systems and domestic wells; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
c. Proposed CEQA Action: Find the action is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15378(b)(5).
SUMMARY:
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 establishes new requirements for counties to help state small water systems and domestic wells prepare for drought or other water shortage events. Counties are required 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 and as the regulatory agency for domestic wells and small water systems in Monterey County, the Health Department, Environmental Health Bureau (EHB), proposes to establish the Monterey County Drought Advisory Group for Small Water Systems and Domestic Wells (“Drought Advisory Group”). The Drought Advisory Group would advise staff and provide recommendations to the 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 would also serve as a mechanism for communication and coordination among representatives from County departments, groundwater sustainable agencies, and other key agencies and organizations with expertise to help state small water systems, local small water systems, and domestic wells within the County’s jurisdiction plan for and respond to drought or water shortage conditions.
An informational report providing a full description of the proposed composition and role of the Drought Advisory Group is attached as Attachment A. EHB is requesting the Board consider the report and provide direction to proceed with or modify the proposed approach.
DISCUSSION:
In accordance with SB 552, counties are required to prepare a county Drought Resilience Plan to achieve long-term improvements in water resilience for small water suppliers. In addition to requiring the development of a County Drought Resilience Plan, SB 552 also directs each county to establish a standing county drought and water shortage task force or establish an alternative process that “facilitates drought and water shortage preparedness for state small water systems and domestic wells within the county’s jurisdiction.” (Water Code section 10609.70(a) (2).)
In accordance with SB 552 and in compliance with California Water Code Section 10609.70(a)(2), in lieu of the County establishing a standing drought and water shortage task force, the Environmental Health Bureau is proposing to convene and chair a Drought Advisory Group for Small Water Systems and Domestic Wells (Drought Advisory Group).
The purpose of the Drought Advisory Group is to facilitate drought and water shortage preparedness for state small water systems (five to fourteen service connections), local small water systems (two to four service connections), and domestic wells (up to four service connections) within the County. Although state law does not specifically require inclusion of local small water systems, EHB is proposing to include these small water systems in this drought planning effort. The Drought Advisory Group would advise on the development of the draft Drought Resilience Plan. The Drought Advisory Group would also create a mechanism for coordination and communication for advance planning and emergency response for drought and water shortages impacting state small and local small water systems and domestic wells.
The proposed composition of the Drought Advisory Group is as follows:
• County of Monterey, Environmental Health Bureau, Director or designee
• County of Monterey, Housing and Community Development Department, Director or designee
• County of Monterey, Office of Emergency Services, Director or designee
• County of Monterey Water Resources Agency, General Manager or designee
• State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, SAFER Program Unit # 3, designee
• Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Director or designee
• Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Service District, General Manager or designee
• Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, General Manager or designee
• Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, Director or designee
• California Water Service, Salinas Valley Region, District Manager or designee
• Community Water Center, Executive Director or designee
• State small water system, member (to be appointed by EHB Director)
• Consulting Hydrogeologist (to be appointed by EHB Director)
• Water System Consultant (to be appointed by EHB Director)
The Director of Environmental Health Bureau may modify or augment the membership as needed to carry out the functions of group. Members of the group may designate alternates from their agency or constituency to attend in their place, provided the alternates are able to participate in an informed manner.
As part of development of the Drought Resilience Plan, responsibilities for the Drought Advisory Group include reviewing information and providing input on current water supply conditions, and potential water shortage risks. In addition, the Drought Advisory Group will help identify short-term mitigation options and long-term prevention measures to address identified risks and needs. The next steps in preparing the Drought Resilience Plan include preparation of a county-specific risk assessment. County staff have been working with Stantec, a consultant provided by the State Department of Water Resources, on implementation of SB 552, and Stantec is assisting in the development of the draft of the Drought Resilience Plan. The Drought Resilience Plan will ultimately be presented to the Board of Supervisors for consideration and adoption.
County staff intends to provide opportunities for public engagement throughout the development of the Drought Resilience Plan. Drought Advisory Group meetings will be public with opportunities for public participation. EHB will also establish a website to provide current information, meeting updates, and the draft of the Plan once ready.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2018-2024 strategic Plan Goals: 1) Empower the community to improve health and 2) Enhance community health and safety through prevention. It also supports the following of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 4) Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems.
CEQA
Receipt of this report and the formation of the Drought Advisory Group are an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. Therefore, this action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5).
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The proposed Drought Advisory Group includes the agency affiliations listed above.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact to receiving this report.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Robin Kimball, Management Analyst III, 796-1297
Approved by:
_________________________Date_____________________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4621
Attachment:
Board Report
Attachment A - Informational Report re: Drought Advisory Group