SB 552 - County Drought Resilience Plan
Del Norte County Drought Resilience Plan
What is a County Drought Resilience Plan?
The Del Norte County Drought Resilience Plan (the Plan) was developed to help the County prepare for drought and other water shortage emergencies affecting state small water systems (SSWSs) and domestic wells within the County's jurisdiction.
The Plan evaluates the risk of water shortages, identifies strategies to respond to drought emergencies, and recommends long-term actions to improve water resilience for residents who rely on small water systems and private wells. It is intended to serve as a planning resource for the County and its partners and will be updated periodically as conditions, data, and priorities change.
The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider the Plan at its Regular Meeting on July 28, 2026.
What is a state small water system?
A state small water system (SSWS) is a water system that provides piped drinking water for human consumption and serves between 5 and 14 service connections, or no more than an average of 25 people per day for more than 60 days each year. These systems are regulated under California law but are not classified as public water systems.
(California Health and Safety Code §116275(n); Water Code §10609.51(m).)
What is a domestic well?
A domestic well is a groundwater well that supplies water to an individual residence or a small water system that is not a public water system and serves no more than four service connections.
(California Health and Safety Code §116681; Water Code §10609.51(k).)
Why did Del Norte County develop a County Drought Resilience Plan?
In September 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 552 (SB 552) into law. The legislation established new responsibilities for counties to help improve drought preparedness and reduce water shortage risks for residents served by state small water systems and domestic wells.
Water shortages may result from prolonged drought or other emergencies, including wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters.
Because counties are well positioned to coordinate planning among local agencies, water systems, and community partners, SB 552 directs counties to prepare Drought Resilience Plans focused on improving long-term water reliability. In response, Del Norte County prepared its County Drought Resilience Plan to identify potential risks, improve coordination, and support long-term water resilience throughout the county.
What is the Del Norte County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force?
On August 22, 2023, the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors established the Del Norte County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force under the Natural Resources and Environmental Coordination Technical Advisory Committee.
The Task Force includes representatives from the County Community Development Department (Environmental Health, Planning, and Engineering), the County Administrative Office, the Office of Emergency Services, and members of the public.
The Task Force provides guidance during development of the County Drought Resilience Plan and will continue to support implementation of the Plan by coordinating drought preparedness efforts, monitoring progress, and recommending updates as conditions and community needs evolve.
