LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors last week once again voted to extend an emergency declaration due to the drought conditions affecting the county.
The board first passed the proclamation declaring an emergency due to drought conditions March 4.
The Nov. 18 action was the eighth time it's been extended; according to state law, the board has to review the emergency declaration's status every 30 days.
Lake County Office of Emergency Services Manager Marisa Chilafoe returned to the board to urge the supervisors to extend the emergency declaration.
That day, Clear Lake's level was at -.85 feet Rumsey, Chilafoe said.
Her written report to the board explained, “Over the course of this summer, the severity of drought conditions became apparent as our community water systems, private wells and natural resources struggled to maintain adequate water supply, was complicated by the extreme effects of the lake's algae, and the County saw impacts to local agriculture.”
Chilafoe's report said that the winter weather forecasts are indicating below-average conditions.
“Even with normal precipitation and snow pack levels (which is not anticipated), conditions will not fully recharge reservoir, well and lake levels for the following summer. Thus, we must prepare for another drought year in 2015,” she wrote.
The county currently has nine water systems that the State Water Resources Control Board has flagged as vulnerable or critical status systems, Chilafoe told the board.
Of those systems, she said seven are seeking state grant funding to lower their intakes further into the lake or to consolidate with other water providers.
Continuing the emergency, she said, is critical to assist those districts with grant funding.
Chilafoe's written report to the board also included an update on the ad hoc drought task force that the Lake County Office of Emergency Services formed earlier this year.
She said the task force met four times over the summer, “and may meet intermittently over the winter as needed, to closely monitor the situation and coordinate the County's response efforts if necessary, engaging other water companies, State, Tribal and local officials in identifying solutions and promoting conservation outreach.”
She said Lake County Special Districts has been successful in implementing conservation measures and urgency ordinances in the water districts it manages, and has received grant funding to mitigate system issues.
She said the fire danger in the county is “down considerably” due to the change in weather. Local fire districts are continuing water conservation efforts where possible as hydrants in some locations are providing little to no water flow.
Across Lake County, state and local law enforcement agencies and code enforcement are continuing to deal with water theft and abuse, Chilafoe said.
She said Lake County Environmental Health is taking the lead on a project to collect private and residential dry-well reporting through a voluntary survey provided by the state.
In addition, Cal OES and The Home Depot will be providing water conservation kits for the Lake County Office of Emergency Services to distribute to local low-income populations and vulnerable system customers. Chilafoe's office also will develop a drought workshop where those receiving kits can learn about drought and water conservation.
Chilafoe's report said the county is continuing to seek state and federal assistance for impacted water systems.
“Therefore, continuing the declaration of an emergency and maintaining a proactive approach to drought response is critical for area water purveyors in maintaining the health and safety of their customers – Lake County residents and tourists – and protecting our local economy,” she wrote. “Continuing the declaration of an emergency is also required to allow the County to seek funding specifically designated for drought relief purposes, and other assistance that might be required.”
The board voted 4-0 to extend the emergency declaration. Supervisor Anthony Farrington was absent for the discussion.
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Supervisors extend drought declaration for eighth time
- Elizabeth Larson
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