Drought Task Force

SB 552 places the drought and water shortage planning responsibility on counties for state small water systems and domestic well communities within the county’s jurisdiction. 

State Small Water System (SSWS): These are not public water systems, but they serve water for human consumption through at least 5, but not more than 14 service connections and do not regularly serve more than 24 year-long residents.

Required components of meeting this mandate are:

• Each county must establish a standing county drought and water shortage task force to facilitate drought and water shortage preparedness for state smalls and domestic wells within the county’s jurisdiction (Water Code §10609.70, subd. (a)). 
• County will develop a plan that includes potential drought and water shortage risks and proposed interim and long-term solutions for state smalls and domestic wells within the county’s jurisdiction.  (Guidebook in PDF) 

While the mandated scope of the Drought Task Force is for planning for State Smalls and domestic wells, we believe bringing other water systems, who may be planning for or have already addressed drought related challenges, will be valuable. By working collaboratively potentially resources will be leveraged for the best outcomes.

As Sierra County moves through establishing a Drought Task Force and Development of a Drought Plan, up-dates and information will be posted here. For questions contact LeTina Vanetti, OES Coordinator by phone 530-993-6737 or Email