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 Adv...
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