Nevada City, Calif.— Nevada County Department of Environmental Health is seeking public input on water use, conservation, and drought preparedness via the Nevada County Drought Resiliency Survey, www.NevadaCountyCA.gov/DRPSurvey, running now through the end of summer.

“Water is one of our most essential resources—and when it's threatened by drought, the entire community feels the impact,” says Director of Environmental Health, Amy Irani. “This survey will help us assess where support is needed and how to better prepare for future challenges.”

The survey seeks input from across the county, particularly from those who rely on private wells or small water systems, that will be used to develop the County Drought Resiliency Plan in accordance with Senate Bill 552. Residents are asked to share their experiences with water supply, conservation efforts, and drought preparedness. Data collected will shape policies and programs that strengthen Nevada County’s water resilience and inform the plan. Responses to this survey are completely anonymous.

Key survey topics include:
• Water sources (e.g., private wells, municipal systems, Nevada Irrigation District)
• Experience with water shortages, conservation efforts, and well monitoring
• Preparedness for future droughts and community needs for support
• Policy suggestions from residents on improving water resiliency in Nevada County

This collaborative outreach is presented by Nevada County Environmental Health and Nevada County Office of Emergency Services, with support from Nevada County’s Department of Agriculture. “Protecting water systems is essential to disaster preparedness,” states Office of Emergency Services Director Alex Keeble-Toll. “Drought reduces water availability and has implications for forest health. Water-stressed trees are more susceptible to disease and pests, making them more wildfire prone. Post-fire, things like well recharge and water quality are integral to long-term community recovery.”

All Nevada County residents are encouraged to participate. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and is anonymous. This survey and community outreach are an important part of creating a Drought Resiliency Plan. The plan aims to improve drought and water shortage preparedness for state small water systems and domestic wells within the County's jurisdiction.

Take the survey, learn more, and register for updates at www.NevadaCountyCA.gov/DRP or email env.health@nevadacountyca.gov for additional information.

About Senate Bill 552 (SB 552): SB 552, enacted in 2021, requires counties to develop and maintain a Drought Resiliency Plan to support small water systems and domestic well users during droughts. The legislation aims to improve water reliability and emergency preparedness by promoting local solutions, expanding monitoring, and identifying long-term strategies for water resilience in underserved and rural communities.

About Ready Nevada County: "Ready Nevada County" is a community initiative focused on all-hazards disaster preparedness and resilience. It includes a multi-pronged approach, focused on public awareness, adaptation planning, and collaborations with local agencies. Learn more at www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/Resilience.