Title
a. Receive a report on the status of drought related impacts in Monterey County and the County of Monterey's water conservation efforts;
b. Consider adoption of a Resolution encouraging voluntary water conservation efforts in Monterey County; and
c. Provide direction to staff regarding the establishment of a countywide interagency drought task force.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a report on the status of drought related impacts in Monterey County and the County of Monterey's water conservation efforts;
b. Consider adoption of a Resolution encouraging voluntary water conservation efforts in Monterey County; and
c. Provide direction to staff regarding the establishment of a countywide interagency drought task force.
SUMMARY:
This report describes the activities of various County departments in response to the current drought, provides information on the current status of the drought in Monterey County, and describes the County's current and proposed water conservation efforts. It recommends that the Board adopt a resolution encouraging voluntary water conservation by all users countywide. Additionally, staff seeks direction from the Board on next steps for action, including the possible formation of a countywide interagency drought task force, to facilitate information sharing, joint messaging, and effective forecasting and response to the impacts of an extended drought.
DISCUSSION:
On January 17, 2014, with California facing the driest year in recorded history, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency, and called upon all Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 20%. The Governor also established a State Drought Task Force consisting of key state agencies, led by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), to carry out advanced strategic planning efforts, provide status reports, and to work with counties and others, to identify drought related issues and as...
Click here for full text