The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the public review draft of the report, “Small Water Suppliers and Rural Communities at Risk of Drought and Water Shortage Vulnerability and Recommendations and Guidance to Address the Planning Needs of these Communities” (appendices available here). The report assesses the drought risk to small water districts and rural communities, provides recommendations to improve planning for drought and water shortage, and highlights two new web tools that provide vulnerability assessment.

RCRC is reviewing the draft for comment and, upon initial review, several recommendations directed specifically at counties may raise potential concerns. Counties are encouraged to review the report and provide comments. Comments may be submitted to DWR using a webform, or by email and must be received by 5:00 p.m. on June 19, 2020. Two DWR webinars are planned during the comment period, to discuss the report and the risk scoring tool. DWR will announce webinar details at a later date.