The County of San Luis Obispo’s Drought Task Force presents Water Summit 2014, a public forum on Tuesday, Oct. 14 that will provide the latest updates on drought conditions, information on local challenges and a review of response plans in San Luis Obispo County.
At Water Summit 2014, the County’s Drought Task Force will provide an update regarding drought monitoring, regional impact assessments, emergency health and safety plans, and state and federal water legislation.
“With the County facing one of the most severe droughts on record, we have been closely monitoring the situation and planning for various contingencies,” said Ron Alsop, County Office of Emergency Services Manager. “We’re working with local businesses, residents, local and state agencies, and taking steps to manage the effects of the drought.”
County staff, stakeholders and citizens will gather in the Board Chambers for Water Summit 2014 on Oct. 14 from 1:30-5 p.m. to discuss the status of the regional and statewide water supply crisis. The County Drought Task Force will provide an update on current actions and response plans, the County’s Public Works Department will present a water systems update with plans for the year ahead, the County’s Department of Agriculture and the Farm Advisor will present an update on agricultural conditions with plans for the year ahead, and the County’s legislative advocates at the federal and state levels will provide updates on federal and state water legislation that impact this region.
San Luis Obispo County has experienced below normal levels of precipitation this year, and the County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a local drought emergency in San Luis Obispo County on March 11.
Since Feb. 18, the U.S. Drought Monitor has categorized all of San Luis Obispo County as category D4- Exceptional Drought, the most severe category that signifies exceptional and widespread crop and/or pasture losses, as well as shortages of water in reservoirs, streams and wells, creating water emergencies.
The County is taking several actions to reduce water usage in County-owned facilities, at County parks and golf courses, at the airport, in new construction and lease agreements, and with fleet vehicles. The County has also been coordinating local emergency needs with state agencies such as continuing to request drought relief programs to residents and businesses in San Luis Obispo County.
For more information on Water Summit 2014 or the latest data on drought conditions, visit the Drought Update page on the County’s website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.