Hollister City Council
June 15, 2026

1 Introduction
Table 1-1. Summary of Groundwater Basins, Domestic Wells, and State Small Water Systems in San Benito County
Bulletin 118
Basin ID
Groundwater
Basin Name
SGMA
Priority
Domestic
Wells Drilled
After 19771
Domestic
Wells Drilled
Before 19771
State Small
Water
Systems
Domestic Wells
in Basin but
Outside County
3-002.01
Corralitos - Pajaro
Valley (Critical
Overdraft)
Partial
73 38
0 1,300
3-003.05
Gilroy —Hollister
Valley - North San
Benito
Partial
435
146
14 17
3-022
Santa Ana Valley
Full
2 2
0 0
3 023
Upper Santa Ana
Valley
Full
0 0
0 0
3-024
Quien Sabe Valley
Full
0 0
0 0
3-028
San Benito River
Valley
Full
13 7
0 0
3-029
Dry Lake Valley
Full
1 0
0 0
3-030
Bitter Water Valley
Partial
4 0
0 0
3-031
Hernandez Valley
Full
3 0
0 0
3-032
Peach Tree Valley
Partial
1 0
0 0
5-022.07
San Joaquin Valley
- Delta -Mendota
(Critical Overdraft)
Partial
0 0
0 2,653
5-023
Panoche Valley
Partial
4 1
0 0
5 071
Vallecitos Creek
Valley
Full
0 0
0 0
N/A
Fractured Rock
Aquifer Wells
N/A
190
59 0
N/A
Total
726
253
14 3,970
Note: ' Information presented in this table and figure are based on Well Completion Reports. Geographic information on Well Completion Reports may be inaccurate and/or place the well not at the actual well location. As a result, the number of domestic wells may be overestimated, and the placement of wells may not reflect actual locations.

Key: N/A = Not available SGMA = Sustainable Groundwater Management Act San Benito County
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2 County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force

2. County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force
The County, through its OES, has established a Task Force for state small water systems and domestic wells as an alternative process to comply with CWC Section 10609.70. This alternative process is intended to facilitate drought and water shortage preparedness for state small water systems and domestic wells within the County.

2.1 Task Force
Counties are required to establish a task force or other alternative process to facilitate "drought and water shortage preparedness" for state small water systems and domestic wells (Water Code section 10609.70(a)(1) and (2)). Water Code Section 10609.70(a)(2) provides, in pertinent part:
a county may establish an alternative process that facilitates drought and water shortage preparedness for state small water systems and domestic wells within the county's jurisdiction. The alternative process shall provide opportunities for coordinating and communicating with the state and other local governments, community -based organizations, local water suppliers, and local residents on a regular basis and during drought or water shortage emergencies.

2.2 Purpose
In compliance with the State law and as the regulatory agency for domestic wells and state small water systems in the County OES established the Task Force. The purpose of the Task Force is to:
• Facilitate development of a County DRP that supports drought and water shortage preparedness and responsiveness for domestic wells and state small water systems within the County's jurisdiction
• Facilitate coordination and communication on a regular basis as well as during drought or water shortage emergencies among the staff of relevant County departments, local water agencies, local water suppliers, groundwater sustainability agencies, and others representing the concerns of state small water systems and domestic wells
• Support implementation of drought and water shortage actions as identified in the County DRP

2.3 Task Force Structure
The Task Force consists of representatives from government agencies that have roles in drought condition monitoring, emergency services, hazard assessment, planning, operations, information coordination, or water resources management. The Task Force effort also includes a Project Coordination Team (PCT) subgroup, comprised of County OES staff, which oversees the Task Force and leads County DRP development and implementation.

The Task Force was established in 2024 and chaired by the County OES, who serve as the Task Force's primary contact lead. The membership of the Task Force includes representatives from the following entities:
• Aromas Water District
• City of San Juan Bautista
• City of Hollister: Environmental Programs, Public Works, Fire Department San Benito County
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2 County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force
• County Environmental Health, OES, Public Works, Agriculture • County Board of Supervisors
• SBCWD
• Sunnyslope County Water District

2.4 Drought Task Force Responsibilities
The Task Force is an advisory body and does not have decision -making authority. It is intended to review and advise the PCT on the development of the County DRP and to assist in guiding its implementation.

Task Force members are and were expected to:
• Attend scheduled Task Force meetings
• Review progress on the development of the County DRP, review and make recommendations on the Draft County DRP, and assist in the County DRP's subsequent implementation once adopted • Review potential drought and water shortage risk, identify drought -related issues that may impact County residents, and provide input regarding short-term actions and long-term strategies to address identified issues
• Disseminate Task Force findings and recommendations to their respective agencies and organizations, as well as seeking feedback that can be shared during Task Force meetings • Review current drought conditions and facilitate coordination and communication during drought or water shortage emergencies
The PCT, a subgroup of the Task Force that is comprised of County OES, is responsible for preparing and implementing the County DRP. The PCT convenes and serves as staff to the Task Force. The PCT also consults with other County departments, GSAs, state agencies, other local government and agency staff, community -based organizations, and the public, as needed to prepare the County DRP.

2.5 Task Force Meetings
The Task Force met regularly during the development of the County DRP and will continue to meet at least annually.

During development of the County DRP, the Task Force met four times to discuss the risk assessment, propose short-term action and long-term mitigation strategies, and review the Draft County DRP. The meetings were scheduled with advance notification to the Task Force members and included distribution of agendas and related materials for each meeting.

After the development and adoption of the County DRP, the Task Force is intended to meet annually for action planning, coordination, collaboration, or problem -solving needs, unless drought conditions necessitate more frequent meetings.

2.6 Decision -Making Structure
The decision -making structure for the County development and implementation of the County DRP is summarized below.

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2 County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force

2.6.1 Drought Task Force
The Task Force is an advisory body and does not have decision -making authority. The Task Force provided input to the PCT in the development of the County DRP.

2.6.2 Project Coordination Team
The PCT, led by County OES staff, makes recommendations on the Draft County DRP to the Board of Supervisors and leads implementation of the adopted County DRP.

2.6.3 Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors is the decision -making body of the County. The Board of Supervisors is the appropriate body to adopt the County DRP and amend it if needed in the future.

2.7 Communication and Public Engagement
To assist in disseminating and collecting information to prepare the County DRP, the County implemented a variety of communication and engagement actions, including establishing a public -facing website to gather community input on the Draft County DRP. The webpage2 provided background information on SB 552, an overview of the DRP development process, and access to the Draft County DRP for public review and comment. To broaden outreach efforts, the County also created and distributed an informational flyer to encourage additional feedback and participation from interested parties. Outreach tools and activities on the County DRP website can continued to be used to engage interested parties and the public during the implementation of the County DRP, including providing a mechanism for long-term engagement and assisting the County in responding to water shortage events. 2 https://www.sanbenitocountyca.gov/departments/office-of-emergency-services-oes-and-emergency-medical- services/county-drought-resilience-plan
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment

3. Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
A drought and water shortage risk assessment (referred to as a risk assessment) was prepared in development of the County DRP as directed in CWC Section 10609.70(b). This risk assessment evaluated how potential hazards intersect with the County's domestic well, state small water system, and other community assets to characterize the vulnerability of domestic wells and state small water systems to water supply shortage. The outcomes from the risk assessment helped inform response plans which short-term actions to employ when a water supply shortage occurs, as well as long-term mitigation strategies and actions that reduce the vulnerability to water shortages. This chapter presents the risk assessment results for the County.

3.1 Terminology
The County Drought Resilience Plan adapted the following definitions from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Local Mitigation Planning Handbook (FEMA 2023) within the context of drought and water shortage planning:3
• Community Assets: The people, structures, facilities, and lifelines that have value to the community. The minimum assets considered as part of the SB 552 plan must include state small water systems and domestic wells, as well as the populations reliant on them. • Hazard: A source of harm or difficulty created by a meteorological, environmental, geological, other event, or by hydrological and/or other environmental conditions. In the context of SB 552, hazards are the natural, human -made, and social processes that can lead to water shortages in the County.
• Impact: The consequences or effects of a hazard on the community and its assets related to drought and water shortages.
• Risk: The potential for damage, loss, or other impacts (e.g., water shortage) created by the interaction of hazards with community assets and their physical and social vulnerabilities. • Risk Assessment: Product or process that collects information and assigns values to risks for the purpose of informing priorities, developing or comparing courses of action, and informing decision -making.
• Vulnerability: A description of which assets, including structures, systems, populations, and other assets within locations identified to be hazard prone, are at risk from the effects of the identified hazard(s). This includes both physical vulnerability and social vulnerability.

3.2 Risk Assessment Approach
The nature and severity of hazards that can cause water shortages vary at regional and local scales due to differences in conditions, such as precipitation patterns, groundwater levels, topography, geology, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks. Communities lacking access to reliable water sources are most vulnerable to water shortage caused by such hazards. To address this, a thorough risk assessment 3 While this County Drought Resilience Plan could make the County eligible for FEMA's Pre -Disaster Mitigation and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs, this risk assessment does not replace FEMA's regulatory requirements.

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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
was completed that considered many physical and social hazard indicators. The results and findings of that risk assessment were then used by the County and Task Force to develop actions and strategies to address water shortages (see Chapters 4 "Short -Term Response Actions" and 5 "Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions").

The risk assessment was completed using the following approach:

1. Describe Major Hazards: The first step in the risk assessment was to describe the hazards in the County, which in the context of SB 552 are the natural, human -made, and social processes that can lead to water shortages in the County. For this risk assessment, drought, climate change, and water quality hazards were summarized and described. Indicators used in the risk assessment were developed in 2018 by the County Drought Advisory Group (CDAG) hosted by DWR. CDAG also assigned weight to each physical indicator to capture how some conditions impact drought versus others.

2. Define the Scope and Community Assets: This step identified the scope and objectives for asset protection for drought resilience planning purposes, and inventoried the associated assets.

3. Conduct Risk Assessment using DWR Water Shortage Vulnerability Explorer: The DWR Water Shortage Vulnerability Explorer (WSVE) Tool was used to identify areas within the County where domestic wells and state small water systems are vulnerable to water supply shortages and to characterize the hazards driving that vulnerability. This information was provided for County and Task Force review, feedback, and identification of data gaps for incorporation into the risk assessment.

4. Summarize Risk Assessment Results: The County's total physical and social vulnerability scores were used to identify the regions of water supply shortage vulnerability. Findings from the revised risk assessment were used by the Task Force to develop short-term actions and long- term strategies to improve water supply sustainability (Chapter 4 "Short Term Response Actions" and Chapter 5 "Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions."

3.3 Hazards in San Benito County
This section summarizes the recent drought, projected climate change, current water quality, and groundwater hazards in the County. Section 3.4 provides more detail on the vulnerabilities related to these hazards.

3.3.1 Drought
Drought data for the County in the twenty-first century (as shown in Figure 3-1) was derived from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Figure 3-1 shows that the County has experienced extended periods of exceptional drought, most notably between 2014 and 2017. Since 2007, the County has fluctuated between severe or exceptional drought and drought -free conditions, sometimes within a one- or two-year period. These patterns and frequency of drought periods highlight the County's vulnerability to drought. While the County is currently not in a drought, there are examples of drought rapidly onsetting, as shown in in the extreme and exceptional drought levels occurring in 2022 and 2023.

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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
San Benito County (CA) Percent Area in U.S. Drought Monitor Categories 100.60%
D2 (Severe Drought) wwe D4 (Exceptional
D3 (Extreme Drought) Drought)
DO (Abnormally Dry)
D1 (Moderate
Drought)
USDA
From the U.S. Drought Monger website, Itt[.s'J/draught t-r,i,inged /D iDatn/Times esaspx, 2-2'-2026 Source: National Drought Mitigation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2024.

Figure 3-1. Occurrence of Drought in San Benito County

3.3.2 Climate Change
According to the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment Central Coast Region Report (Langridge 2018), climate change has increased both average temperatures and the frequency and intensity of heat waves or extreme heat events. While global temperature increases are between 1.8 and 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), local observed increases that affect neighborhoods and ecosystems are far more variable and often of greater magnitude. The climate assessment predicted changes over this century to include higher average temperatures with more warming in the summer than the winter and greater warming inland than in coastal regions. These expected changes translate into an annual average maximum temperature increase in the County of up to 8.2 °F by the end of the century (2070 to 2099), relative to the historical period (1961 to 1990).

Droughts in California are triggered by a lack of large winter storms (i.e., atmospheric rivers), and water shortages are further exacerbated by high temperatures that increase the evaporative loss of water from soils, rivers, canals, and reservoirs. Drought conditions, particularly when persisting for several years, can cause mental and physical stress on people, reduce the number of workable farm -labor days, and lead to deteriorated air and water quality (Greene 2018, Barreau et al. 2017). Historical data show that daily precipitation extremes have intensified in most areas of the country, including California. As the atmosphere warms, extreme precipitation events could become more frequent since storms can hold about 6 to 7 percent more water for each 1.8°F of warming. Climate model simulations that consider such effects suggest that this trend will continue. Simulations of future climate trends indicate only modest changes in annual precipitation accumulation with some shifts in the seasonality of precipitation that may be relevant for water management, e.g., less precipitation during November through January, and possibly more during February through May. Precipitation in the County is projected to increase slightly, but variability is expected to increase substantially. Projections also show that the wettest day of the year will become wetter relative to historical conditions.

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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
There is also strong evidence that anthropogenic climate change —especially rising temperatures and periodic droughts —have made substantial contributions to the increase in acreage burned by wildfires in the American West.

3.3.3 Water Quality
As identified in the County General Plan, the County faces various water quality concerns across both its surface and groundwater resources. Groundwater quality in the County and its subbasins is highly mineralized and of marginal quality for drinking and agricultural purposes (San Benito County 2015).

Threats to water quality as identified by the County are summarized below:
• Regulated Facilities: The Regional Water Quality Control Board oversees more than 123 facilities within the basin that have soil and groundwater contamination. Forty-five of the 123 facilities are active sites currently in or adjacent to the North San Benito Subbasin (44 in the County and one in Santa Clara County). These facilities include leaking underground storage tanks and soil and groundwater cleanup operations that require regular monitoring and reporting (SBCWD and Valley Water 2021).
• Septic Systems: Many homes and businesses in unincorporated areas of the basin use onsite wastewater treatment systems. These systems contribute to salt and nutrient levels in groundwater and may also introduce other contaminants.
• Oil and Gas: The Hollister Oil and Gas Field covers areas near Bolsa and San Juan in the basin.

Hydrocarbons lie about 600 feet below the freshwater base and pose little threat to drinking water. The County approved a fracking ban in 2014, prohibiting hydraulic fracturing and related petroleum operations.
• Non -Point Sources: Non -point source pollution refers to contamination that does not come from regulated point sources. Instead, it arises from diffuse sources such as rain carrying pollutants to surface water or contaminants percolating into groundwater. For instance, nitrate loading from agricultural or landscaping activities can impact groundwater. Key Constituents of Concern identified in the 2021 North San Benito GSP include total dissolved solids (TDS); there are high levels of TDS throughout the basin. The average TDS concentration exceeds 500 milligrams per liter, the secondary maximum contaminant limit for drinking water. • Nitrate: Agricultural and local wastewater disposal activities have contributed to high levels of nitrate throughout the basin, posing health risks and impacting drinking water quality. • Perchlorate and Selenium: Although low in concentration, perchlorate and selenium identified in the basin are attributed to regulated facilities related to manufacturing and waste disposal. • Hardness: Most of the groundwater throughout the basin is considered to be hard to very hard.

Hardness, measured as total hardness (calcium carbonate) indicates elevated levels of calcium and magnesium ions in the water. Although it is naturally occurring, it can be influenced by human -induced sources that introduce calcium or magnesium into the groundwater. Hardness is indirectly connected to the rise in groundwater salinity in specific areas, which is a result of using water softeners.

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• Boron: Boron is a natural element found in the basin, linked with marine clays and thermal springs. It evaporates from closed basins. Boron can originate from human -induced sources, since it is used in the production of glass, soaps, detergents, and flame retardants. • Metals: Metals that naturally occur in the North San Benito Subbasin include iron, manganese, arsenic, and chromium. Long-term exposure to these metals can impact drinking water quality.

3.3.3.1 Community Assets
The scope of the County Drought Resilience Plan risk assessment is, at a minimum, to protect those reliant on domestic wells, local small water systems, and state small water systems. Figure 3-2 shows the locations of domestic wells and state small water systems within the County.

Domestic well data has been obtained from the Online System for Well Completion Reports, DWR's well database drilled throughout the state (DWR 2025b). CWC Section 13751 requires anyone who constructs, alters, or destroys a water well, cathodic protection well, groundwater monitoring well, or geothermal heat exchange well to file a report of completion to DWR within 60 days of the completion of the work. State small water system data was obtained from the California State Water Resources Board Division of Drinking Water.

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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
State Small Water System:

Domestic Wells
Cumuli. Wells v4:^^,tlnrr: SGMA Re}ulrsted
Groraneltiratar Basel ?orated ir7 Adjacent
Counties
Groundwater Basin; Subaasin. Boundary
Groundwater Basin - SGMA Priority
High and tedium
___.. Loy; ar,d Very "Low
C:..iucal!y 0%midrafted Ba,in!Sui:rbasun
San Benito
County
Nome
e
San Benito County Domestic Welk
and State Small Water Systems
Figure 3-2. Locations of Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems San Benito County
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment

3.4 Risk Assessment
This risk assessment was developed using DWR's WSVE Tool (DWR 2024a). It summarizes where water shortages associated with domestic wells, local small water systems, and state small water systems may be more likely to occur and characterizes the hazards driving vulnerability.4 The WSVE Tool, developed by DWR in collaboration with CDAG,' is an online geospatial application that quantifies drought and water shortage risk using physical and social indicators, as described below. These indicators were selected by DWR and CDAG to reflect the hazards that could make a domestic well or state small water system vulnerable to water supply shortage. DWR periodically revises the WSVE Tool to incorporate improved data and/or updated methodology. The 2024 version of the WSVE Tool was used to complete the risk assessment for this County DRP. The detailed methodology is available on the WSVE Tool website: https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/SB-552/SB-552-Tool .

3.4.1 Physical Vulnerability
The total physical vulnerability score was calculated at the Public Land Survey Section' (PLSS) scale by normalizing the indicator value between 0 and 1, with 1 representing the highest possible vulnerability.

Normalized scores were multiplied by a weighting factor from 1 to 5 that was assigned by DWR and CDAG to capture how some indicators contribute more to water shortage vulnerability than others, as shown in Table 3-1. The indicators that are weighed most heavily are fractured rock areas (RC2c), dry domestic well susceptibility in basins (RC3a), domestic well density in fractured rock areas (RC3c), and reported household outage on domestic well (RC5a). Other important indicators impacting overall physical vulnerability scores include wildfire hazard potential (RC2b), water quality aquifer risk (RC2i), saltwater intrusion (RC2e), chronic declining water levels (RC2g), and surrounding land use (RC2j). The remaining indicators are not weighed as heavily and thereby have less influence on the physical vulnerability score.
'The detailed methodology that describes the WSVE indicators and corresponding values, data sources, and weighting factors is available on the WSVE website: https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/SB- 552/SB-552-Tool.
6 DWR organized a CDAG in 2018 to assist DWR in the vulnerability assessment and development of recommended actions for improving drought planning for small water suppliers and rural communities. CDAG consisted of representatives from counties and other local agencies, small water systems, tribes, academics, non-profit organizations, and other interested parties. In addition to drought planning, CDAG efforts include addressing financial challenges faced by small water systems and encouraging collaboration between water systems to streamline water management efforts and resources.
6 A Public Land Survey Section is a geographic delineation of an area equivalent to 1 square mile.

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Table 3-1. Water Shortage Vulnerability Explorer Indicators Used in the Development of Physical Vulnerability Score
Indicator Name'
Indicator Description
Indicator
Weight
Climate Change Projections
Temperature Shift (RC1a)
Projected change in maximum temperatures by mid-century 1 Projected Saltwater Intrusion in
Coastal Groundwater (RC1b)
Spatial extent of projected 1 -meter sea level rise by 2040 into coastal aquifers
Wildfire Risk (RC1c)
Projected area burned by 2035-2064
1 Currant Environmental Conditions and
Events
Current Year's Precipitation (RC2a)
2024 water year precipitation as percent of normal (compared to 70 percent of normal)
2 Multiple Dry Years (RC2aa)
Count of dry years within the last five water years
2 Wildfire Risk (RC2b)
2023 USFS wildfire hazard potential
3 Fractured Rock
Area (RC2c)
Fractured rock basin within the PLSS
3 Water Quality Aquifer Risk (RC2f)
SAFER Needs Assessment 2024 water quality composite score 3 Subsidence (RC2d)
Amount of subsidence as measured by remote sensing since 2015 2 Saltwater Intrusion (RC2e)
Presence of saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifer
3 Overdrafted Basin (RC2f)
SGMA critically overdrafted groundwater basin
2 Chronic Declining Water Levels
(RC2g)
Amount of declining groundwater levels 2003-2024
3 Amount of Irrigated Agriculture
(RC2f)
Proportion of irrigated agriculture in PLSS (2022)
3 Infrastructure Suscepttk ilty
Dry Domestic Well Susceptibility in
Basins (RC3a)
Dry well susceptibility
5 Domestic Well Density in Fractured
Rock Areas (RC3c)
Density of Well Completion Reports
5 Record of Shortage
Reported Household Outages on
Domestic Well (RC5a)
Presence of 1 or more households with reported outages in PLSS 5 Source: DWR 2024b.

Notes:
i Abbreviations are included next to Indicator Name (i.e., "RC1a") which align with WSVE Tool methodology Key:

PLSS = Public Land Survey Section
SAFER = Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience Program SGMA = Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
USFS = US Forest Service
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment

3.4.1.1 Physical Vulnerability Indicators
The risk assessment summarizes where water shortages associated with domestic wells and state small water systems may be more likely to occur. This section describes factors that are driving water shortage risk in greater detail. Identifying and characterizing these drivers of physical vulnerability help the County and the Task Force develop effective short-term actions and long-term strategies, along with their associated implementation.

Within the County, the indicators driving physical vulnerability are different depending on if the area is in an alluvial basin or a fractured rock basin. A majority of the domestic wells and state small water systems are located within the North San Benito Groundwater Basin, an alluvial basin located in the northwestern portion of the County. The vulnerability drivers in this area are water quality aquifer risk.

Most of the remaining domestic wells are within fractured rock basins in the Gabilan and Diablo mountain ranges, where fractured rock geology and wildfire exacerbate risk.

Table 3-2 summarizes all physical vulnerability indicators within the County. The subsequent sections describe the three most significant contributors to physical vulnerability throughout the County (geology, wildfire risk, and water quality aquifer risk) in greater detail.

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Table 3-2. Summary of Observed Conditions for Physical Vulnerability Indicators in San Benito County Physical Vulnerability Indicator'
Observed Conditions
Climate Change
Temperature Shift (RC1a)
Projected change in the maximum temperature by mid-century shows a 2.4°F (northwestern portion of the County, close to the water bodies) to 3°F (central/eastern portions) increase in average temperature throughout the County. Increased temperatures could increase water supply demands from users, evapotranspiration, and others, thereby increasing vulnerability to drought and/or water shortage impacts.

Saline Intrusion Projected (RC1b)
The County is not susceptible to sea level rise, due to its inland location.

Wildfire Risk (RC1c)
County projections show a significant increase in wildfire risk by 2064 throughout the County. Projected (future) increased wildfire frequency and severity heightens water source contamination, degrades watershed health, and damages water infrastructure, disrupting water supply and quality, thereby increasing vulnerability.

Current Environmental Conditions anti Events
..

Current Year's Precipitation (RC2a)
A dry water year depletes surface reservoirs and groundwater, reducing water supply and increasing vulnerability to water shortages. Precipitation data from the most recent water year's survey (2024) indicated that the County did not experience a dry year.

Multiple Dry Years (RC2aa)
Data show that most of County has been experiencing only one dry year in the last 5 years. Several small pockets in the northern and southern parts of the County have experienced 2 dry years. Multiple dry water years depletes surface reservoirs and groundwater, reducing the available water supply and increasing vulnerability to water shortages.

Wildfire Risk (RC2b)
Most of the western, central, and southern parts of the County are assigned the 'High' and 'Very High' USFS Wildfire Hazard Potential. As these groups show the current risk of wildfire, research shows that a higher risk contributes to higher physical vulnerability for water sources. Increased current risk of wildfire frequency and severity heightens water source contamination, degrades watershed health, and damages water infrastructure, disrupting water supply and quality, thereby increasing vulnerability.

Fractured Rock Area (RC2c)
Fractured rock is present across the central, south, and western parts of the County. Water availability in fractured rock areas is more difficult to monitor and therefore more uncertain for those relying on it as a source of water. Areas with fractured rock are considered due to high susceptibility to drought impacts.

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Physical Vulnerability Indicator'
Observed Conditions
Water Quality Aquifer Risk (RC2i)
This index shows that potential groundwater contamination based off on existing water quality reports by water systems throughout the State. Areas of higher risk are indicated where concentrations of constituents are above regulatory thresholds. Some regulated constituents are scattered throughout the County that could increase physical vulnerability for different communities. Impaired groundwater quality limits its usability for drinking, agriculture, and industrial purposes, requiring costly treatment and reducing water availability, thereby increasing water shortage vulnerability.

Subsidence (RC2d)
Subsidence is the gradual sinking or settling of the ground, often caused by excessive groundwater pumping. Land subsidence increases vulnerability due to its ability to lower the water table and reduce well productivity. The County is not currently experiencing land subsidence, and no significant subsidence had been reported in the region.

Saltwater Intrusion (RC2e)
The County is not located along a coastline and therefore is not anticipated to experience saltwater intrusion.

Overdrafted Basin (RC2f)
The Corralitos—Pajaro Valley Groundwater Basin is a critically overdrafted basin in the County. An overdrafted basin depletes groundwater reserves, increasing water shortage vulnerability by reducing available supply and stressing surface water sources.

Chronic Declining Water Levels (RC2g)
The County has seen slight groundwater decline (a score of 0.75, which indicates groundwater level decreases of up to 2.5 feet) within the Panoche Valley Groundwater Basin. Declining levels in groundwater indicate increased vulnerability due to the reduced available groundwater supply and imposed stress on surface water sources.

Amount of Irrigated Agriculture (RC2j)
The County is primarily farmed in its northern parts, as well as small areas in the south. The presence of agricultural activities could indicate competing demands on groundwater suppliers, as well as water quality concerns, both of which could create higher vulnerability for domestic wells and state small water systems, especially during a drought or water shortage event.

Infrastructure Susceptibility
Dry Domestic Well Susceptibility in
Basins (RC3a)
This factor analyzes locations where there are many wells susceptible to going dry if the current groundwater trends in the County continue. Data show an overall low likelihood of dry well susceptibility in the County even in the medium/high priority groundwater basin in the northern portion of the County.

R or h d of S ort e
Reported Household Outage on
Domestic Well (RC5a)
Areas that have already experienced outages are more likely to experience them during future dry years, due to combinations of aquifer sensitivity/fluctuations and shallow wells. There have been no household outages in the County as of September 2025.

Source:DWR 2024b.

Notes: ' Abbreviations are included next to Indicator Name (i.e., "RC1a") for clarity regarding the underlying methodology.

Key: °F = degrees Fahrenheit USFS WHP = US Forest Service Wildfire Hazard Potential San Benito County
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Geology (Fractured Rock Areas)
Fractured rock areas increase water supply vulnerability. Water supplies in these areas are complex to monitor and, as such, introduce uncertainty for those depending on them as a primary water source.

The intricate network of fractures makes it difficult to gauge water quantity and sustainability accurately. This necessitates sophisticated monitoring approaches and comprehensive water management strategies to address uncertainties and enhance resilience in fractured rock environments.

Domestic wells and state small water systems may not have the resources to implement these measures effectively.

Figure 3-3 shows the portions of the County within a fractured rock basin as a dark shaded area. 1:564,229
12/5/2025, 4:27:54 PM
California Counties - Yes. fractured rock area
State Small Water Systems (SWRCB 2024) World_ Hlllshade RC2c- Fractured Rock Areas
No, not fractured rock area
10 20 nv
Q 5 10 20 km
\1 s Bore., o -
Source: DWR 2024a.

Figure 3-3. Geology Indicator Showing Fractured Rock Area in San Benito County San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
restry and Fire Pr
.,a�.e�,ai ' n.m<��...e.��
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
Wildfire Risk
The susceptibility of an area to wildfires based on topographic and ecological features can characterize the risk of a wildfire occurring. Wildfires damage or destroy natural infrastructure such as watersheds and natural reaches, as well as built infrastructure (e.g., pipelines and reservoirs). Wildfire impacts can adversely impact watersheds, leading to increased sedimentation, altered water quality, and potential contamination. The heightened risk contributes to the physical vulnerability of water sources, including groundwater.

Figure 3-4 shows the wildfire hazard potential in 2024 as recognized by United States Forest Service; darker shades indicate higher wildfire risk. A majority of the County has relatively high wildfire risk.

Areas with very high wildfire hazard potential are primarily concentrated in the western, central, and southern areas of the County, which are more forest dense. 1215/2025, 4:17:31 PM
California Counties
1;564,229
Moderate Risk
" State Small Water Systems (SWRCB 2024) High Risk
RC2b - USFS Wildfire Hazard NM Very High Risk
No or Low Risk Worid Hiilsbade
Source: DWR 2024a.

Figure 3-4. Wildfire Hazard Potential as Defined by the U.S. Forest Service San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
20 mr
20 km
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
Water Quality Aquifer Risk
The presence of regulated constituents elevated at levels exceeding the prescribed thresholds increases the physical vulnerability of a water supply system. Such contaminants can compromise the safety and potability of the water, rendering it unfit for human consumption and various domestic uses. The contaminants may also impact the environment, such as affecting aquatic ecosystems, vegetation, and soil quality, cause infrastructure corrosion, reduce the reliability and longevity of water supply systems, and require costly repairs and maintenance efforts. These factors can all compound to render a domestic well or state small water system unable to deliver safe drinking water.

The groundwater water quality risk within the County was characterized using the 2024 Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Needs Assessment results. Established by the State Water Board as a result of the 2018 Budget Act, the SAFER Needs Assessment is an annual study that assesses California's water systems, with a particular focus on smaller water systems and domestic wells. This SAFER Needs Assessment evaluated the 20 -year average (long-term) and 5 -year average (recent conditions) of groundwater quality data to identify areas with potential contaminants. A PLSS was assigned a high water quality risk score if the long-term average or recent conditions for any potential contaminant was above the comparison concentration for any contaminant. A comparison concentration refers to a threshold value used to evaluate the potential impact of contaminants on water quality. The area was assigned a medium water quality risk score if the data was between 80 percent to 100 percent of the comparison concentration. Below 80 percent was assigned a low water quality risk score.

Figure 3-5 shows the potential groundwater water quality risk in the County based on the 2024 assessment, which was used to determine the vulnerability score. High water quality risk areas are concentrated around the north central area with some pockets in the central parts of the County. 91302025, 9:21 14 AM
California Counties
1;577,791
di
re State Small Water Systems (SWRCB 2024) - Hlgh
RC2i - SWRCB 2024 Water Quality Rtsk Nr„n
Low
hade
Source: DWR 2024a.

Figure 3-5. SAFER Water Quality Risk Assessed in 2024
San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment

3.4.1.2 Total Physical Vulnerability
Total physical vulnerability scores within the County are shown in Figure 3-5, with darker shaded areas (or PLSSs) indicating higher physical vulnerability scores. If an area is not shaded, it means there are no domestic wells or state small water systems within the PLSS, and physical vulnerability was not scored.

Higher physical vulnerability scores are concentrated near the northwestern portion of the County within the North San Benito Subbasin, including the areas surrounding Grass Valley and the cities of San Juan Bautista and Hollister. South of this region, there are also notable indications of physical vulnerability near Slacks Valley, Pinnacles National Park, and the Diablo Range.

Figure 3-7 shows how physical vulnerability within the County intersects with the location of domestic wells and state small water systems. Darker shades indicate a higher presence of domestic wells within an area with high physical vulnerability. Orange areas have a higher physical vulnerability, but minimal domestic wells, and blue areas have a high presence of domestic wells but low physical vulnerability.

This figure shows where short-term actions and long-term mitigation strategies are most likely to be needed. These areas are in the northern region of the County, notably around the cities of San Juan Bautista and Hollister.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan 3-15

3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
1:577,791
9/30/2025, 9:24:54 AM
California Counties
State Small Water Systems (SWRCB 2024
Physical Vulnerability Index (Sections)
2-10
> 10 - 17
>17-24 >41-51
> 24 - 30 IIIII>51-63
>30-35_>63-75
35 - 41 World_Hillshade
Source: DWR 2024a.

Figure 3-6. Physical Vulnerability to Drought and Water Supply Shortage in San Benito County San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
10 20 mi
0 10
20 km
eau of Reclarnaijon, t.:afifol
Fo esf y end
Aimospheoc Ac
Sources E
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
9(3012025. PM
CaltR m a Cclurtoes
1:577,791
a 5 tai
" State Small Water Systems {SWRCB 2024)
Pnyskal lftarieranaFry Iri ex by Domestic Well HIP -
Tot ai_SWre
DamWeliCour t
Source: DWR 2024a.

Figure 3-7. Intersection of Physical Vulnerability and Density of Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems in San Benito County Low - Low
20 pro
u A a.." of r..r.a+. ralki.i. 04elnrel at
CSa.ra..+T C.N.. D......+ a .q .b o...

CaLe.. Omparbeeel a ru+r N
..bra 0.mc ... .w.i/rr A.++amilon
Comm l•O+r OP env Ill..u. r.., r.i.r..

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment

3.4.2 Social Vulnerability
Social vulnerability is also an important factor in assessing the risk of water supply shortage and the need for mitigation through short-term actions and long-term strategies as certain communities and individuals may lack access to resources or services during a drought. The WSVE Tool's total social vulnerability score was calculated at the Census Block Group' scale by normalizing the indicator value between 0 and 1 and summing the values together without additional weighting. The WSVE Tool results present a spatial representation of social and economic factors, as listed in Table 3-3, that can affect water shortage vulnerability in the County. It should be noted that the social vulnerability score only includes data availability from the U.S. Census and therefore does not represent the full extent of populations that are often understood to be at higher vulnerability (DWR 2024b).

Table 3-3. Water Shortage Vulnerability Explorer Indicators Used in the Development of Social Vulnerability Score
Indicator Name
Indicator Description
Soo
Poverty Level
Percent of persons below two times the poverty level
Unemployment
Percent of persons aged 16 years of age or older that are unemployed Per Capita Income
Per capita income
guage
Education Attainment
on
Percent of persons without a high school diploma
English Language Proficiency
Percent of persons who speak little to no English
Demographics.

Elderly Population
Percent of persons 65 years of age or older
Non -Adult Population
Percent of persons 17 years of age or younger
Disability
Percent of persons 5 years of age or older with a disability Single -Parent Households
Percent of single -parent households
Housing and Transpor
Multi -Unit -Housed Population
Percent of households that are multi -unit structures
Mobile Home —Housed Population
Percent of housing units that are mobile homes
Crowded Conditions
Percent of households with "crowded" conditions
No Vehicle Access
Percent of households with no vehicle available
Group Quarters
Percent population living in group quarters
Race and Ethnicity
Persons of Color
Percent of persons that identify with a race other than White or identify ethnically as Hispanic or Latino
'A Census Block Group is a geographic unit with a population between 600 and 3,000 people that is the smallest geographical unit that the U.S. Census Bureau publishes data collected from a fraction of households.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment

3.4.2.1 Total Social Vulnerability Score
Total social vulnerability scores in the County are depicted in Figure 3-8, with darker shaded areas indicating higher vulnerabilities. Comparing the social vulnerability scores in Figure 3-8 with the physical vulnerability scores in Figure 3-6 helps characterize how social vulnerability may overlap with the physical vulnerability of domestic wells and state small water systems.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
12/1212025, 1:58:33 PM
California Counties
1:621,024
0 5 10
Recorded Location
State Small Water Systems (SWRCB 2024) Social Vulnerability Index (ACS 2017-2021 Domestic Wells (GW Live)
Location from PLSS Section Medium -Low Social Vulnerability Low Social Vulnerability
Medium Social Vulnerability
Medium -High Social Vulnerability
High Social Vulnerability (Top 20%)
World_Hillshade
Source: DWR 2024a.

Figure 3-8. Social Vulnerability Scores by Census Block Group in San Benito County San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
20 mi
10 20
40 km
U S Bureau of Redamaoon, California Department of
Canservation, CalHomia Department of Fish and Game,
Cat'iiornia Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Contact gis@watet ca gov, Sources Esri Tomiom,
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment

3.5 Risk Assessment Results
In consideration of the County's physical and social vulnerability scores, and coordination with the County and the Drought Task Force, regions with high physical vulnerability and domestic well density were identified and delineated (Figure 3-9). Dark brown shades indicate a higher presence of domestic wells within an area with high physical vulnerability. Blue areas have a higher physical vulnerability but minimal domestic wells, and orange areas have a high presence of domestic wells but low physical vulnerability. State small water system locations are represented as blue diamonds. Additional information about these regions is summarized in Table 3-4 This section summarizes the risk assessment results, including the County's total physical and social vulnerability scores, followed by discussions of the individual indicators driving physical vulnerability. Figure 3-9 and Table 3-4 were used to develop short-term actions and long-term strategies that can be applied to address water shortage vulnerability across the County.
• A. Communities within the North San Benito Basin and Santa Ana Valley Basin: There is a high presence of domestic wells and 14 state small water systems that are vulnerable to water supply shortage within the North San Benito and Santa Ana Valley Groundwater Basins in the rural agricultural communities surrounding Hollister, San Juan Bautista, and Grass Valley. Water quality issues are primarily driving vulnerability due, in large part, to the significant agricultural operations in the region. These areas also have a mix of medium -to -high social vulnerability. • B. Communities within the Corralitos—Pajaro Valley Basin: Located near the unincorporated community of Aromas, the northwestern corner of the County is characterized by a high concentration of domestic wells. The region faces significant groundwater challenges, primarily due to the overdraft conditions in the Corralitos—Pajaro Valley Basin. This chronic overdraft, in addition to poor water quality and high wildfire risk, contributes to the region's heightened vulnerability. This part of the County has a medium -low social vulnerability score. • C. Western fractured rock basins in the western portion of the County within the Gabilan Range: There is a large cluster of domestic wells vulnerable to water supply shortage along the western edge of the County. This can be attributed to the complexities of the fractured rock basin within the Gabilan Range, which poses challenges to groundwater storage and extraction.

This area's high susceptibility to wildfires also strains water supply systems and exacerbates vulnerability. It is also important to note that this region has medium -low to medium social vulnerability.
• D. East -central fractured rock basins near Antelope Valley and Las Aguilas Canyon. There is a significant cluster of domestic wells located within a fractured rock basin in the east -central part of the County. Similar to its western counterparts in the County, the higher vulnerability score in this region is also driven by high wildfire and water quality aquifer risks. These areas have a medium -low social vulnerability score.
• E. South-central portion of the County within the Diablo Range and the Hernandez Valley Basin: South-central San Benito County, within the Diablo Range, also contains a number of domestic wells vulnerable to water supply shortage. Vulnerability in this region is primarily driven by fractured rock geology and high wildfire risk. Notably, this area of the County is more prone to temperature increases and has experienced three to four multiple dry years over the past five years. These areas also have medium -low social vulnerability.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
Table 3-1. Summary of Risk Assessment Findings in San Benito County Area with Water Shortage
Social Vulnerability
Vulnerability and Domestic
Physical Vulnerability Indicators
Score
Wells/State Small Water Systems
•
Water quality aquifer risk
A. Communities within the North San
Benito Basin and Santa Ana Valley Basin
•
Presence and amount of irrigated
agriculture
Medium to High
•
High wildfire risk
•
Overdrafted basin
B. Communities within the Corralitos—
•
Water quality aquifer risk
Medium -Low
Pajaro Valley Basin
•
High wildfire risk
C. Western fractured rock basins in the •

High wildfire risk
Medium to Medium
western portion of the County within the •

Fractured rock basin
Low
Gabilan Range
•
High wildfire risk
D. East -central fractured rock basins near
•
Fractured rock basin
Medium Low
Antelope Valley and Las Aguilas Canyon
•
Water quality aquifer risk
E. South-central portion of the County
•
Fractured rock basin
within the Diablo Range and the Hernandez
•
High wildfire risk
Medium -Low
Valley Basin
•
Temperature increase
San Benito County
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment
9/30/2025, 1:12:18 PM
California Counties
1:577,791
0 5 10
r
0 5 10 20 km
High - High
• State Small Water Systems (SWRCB 2024)
Physical Vulnerability Index by Domestic Wells High -
Low
Total_Score
DomWellCount
Low - Low
ow - High
World_Hillshade
20 mi
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. California Department of
Conservation, California Department of Fish and Game,
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Contact gis@watercagov, Sources: Esri, TomTom,
Figure 3-9. Summary of Risk Assessment Findings Showing Regions with Water Shortage Vulnerability and Domestic Wells/State Small Water Systems in San Benito County
San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
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3 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment

3.6 Risk Assessment Gaps
Understanding gaps in the risk assessment (1) helps identify physical and social vulnerabilities that may exist but are not effectively captured using the methodology applied and data available, (2) focuses future efforts to improve future risk assessments, and (3) allows communities to develop long-term continuous monitoring and improvement plans. This proactive approach helps build resilience over time.

The County, the Task Force, and other stakeholders during the development of the County DRP identified that the domestic well locations in DWR's Online System of Well Completion Report (OSWCR) database is used in the WSVE Tool may have discrepancies. Domestic well entries are filtered to display wells constructed after 1977. Although the WSVE Tool filters out wells that have been replaced or abandoned in the analysis, there may still be discrepancies since changes in well status are not always reported to the State.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
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4 Short -Term Response Actions

4. Short -Term Response Actions
The risk assessment presented in Chapter 3, "Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment," provided insight into regions within the County supplied by domestic wells and state small water systems that may be susceptible to droughts and water shortages, and the potential underlying causes. Based on the outcomes of that assessment, the County OES, SBCWD, Sunnyslope Water District, Aromas Water District, and Hollister Water District identified the following short-term response actions to help address the effects during the early stages and ongoing drought conditions and water shortage events that could occur in the County. In the context of this County DRP, short-term response actions are defined as actions taken during and after a water shortage emergency to reduce the impacts of existing and ongoing drought and water shortage impacts, often addressing immediate and basic public safety needs.

This section describes the short-term response actions included in the County DRP and the Drought and Water Shortage Emergency Response Process developed as part of the County DRP to assist with implementing short-term response actions.

4.1 Legislative Direction
SB 552 requires that each County develop a drought and water shortage plan that includes proposed interim solutions for state small water systems and domestic wells, per CWC Section 10609.70 (emphasis added as related to short-term response actions and this section of the County DRP):
(b) A county shall develop a plan that includes potential drought and water shortage risk and proposed interim and long-term solutions for state small water systems and domestic wells within the county's jurisdiction. The plan may be a stand- alone document or may be included as an element in an existing county plan, such as a local hazard mitigation plan, emergency operations plan, climate action plan, or general plan. A county shall consult with its drought task force or alternative coordinating process as established by this section in developing its plan. A county shall consider, at a minimum, all of the following in its plan:
(1) Consolidations for existing water systems and domestic wells. (2) Domestic well drinking water mitigation programs.
(3) Provision of emergency and interim drinking water solutions. (4) An analysis of the steps necessary to implement the plan. (5) An analysis of local, state, and federal funding sources available to implement the plan

4.2 San Benito County Short -Term Response Actions
Short-term response actions are summarized in Table 4-1 and further described in this section. The short-term response actions provide emergency and interim drinking water supplies and streamline permitting and coordination for new or replacement wells during a water shortage event. The identified short-term response actions are not exhaustive and may be modified in the future as needed.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan 4-1

4 Short -Term Response Actions
Table 4-1. San Benito County Drought Resilience Plan Short -Term Response Actions Identification
Category
Title
Description
Lead and
Supporting
Agencies
STRA 01
Emergency and
Interim Drinking
Water Supplies
Dedicated Water
Filling Stations
County staff should identify existing public facilities (e.g., fire stations, public institutions, parks, etc.) that can allow domestic well and state small water systems users to fill water in the event of a water shortage emergency.

County OES (Lead)
County Public Health
Services (Support)
STRA 02
Emergency and
Interim Drinking
Water Supplies
Packaged and
Bottled Water
Supplies
In the event of a state or federally declared water shortage emergency or by direction of the County Board of Supervisors, County staff should distribute packaged or bottled water to domestic wells and state small water system users at existing CPOD locations.

County OES (Lead)
County Public Health
Services (Support)
STRA 03
Emergency and
Interim Drinking
Water Supplies
Partnerships and
Mutual Aid
Agreements
County staff should coordinate with non -governmental organizations, nonprofit/community-based organizations, cities, water districts, and school districts to provide packaged and bottled water supplies for bulk water distribution during a water shortage event.

County OES (Lead)
County Public Health
Services (Support)
STRA-04
Permit
Streamlining and
Coordination
Expedited New or
Replacement
Well Approval
During Water
Shortage
SBCWD staff should, within its jurisdiction, continue to implement expedited permit authorization for construction of replacement wells in the event of a water shortage emergency.

SBCWD (Lead)
County OES
(Support)
Key:

County = San Benito County
County DRP = San Benito County Drought Resilience Plan
CPOD = Community Points of Distribution
OES = Office of Emergency Services
STRA = Short -Term Response Action
San Benito County
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4 Short -Term Response Actions

4.2.1 Emergency and Interim Drinking Water Supplies
Providing emergency and interim drinking water supplies includes the provision of temporary water supplies until a longer -term, more permanent water supply is secured or the water shortage emergency ends. Emergency and interim drinking water supplies are used during water shortage emergencies to meet basic health and safety needs. These services can be provided on a local level through local government and/or through non -governmental organizations (NGO) and community groups, if applicable.

4.2.1.1 Dedicated Water Filling Stations (STRA-01)
In response to acute water shortages impacting domestic well and state small water system users, the County should identify and establish dedicated water filling stations through strategic partnerships and agreements with local agencies and public facilities to ensure timely and equitable access to emergency water supplies. Once identified, these locations should be clearly communicated to the public through online platforms and other accessible channels. These stations should be strategically identified to ensure equitable access across affected areas, especially regions that are more susceptible to water shortage. Clear signage, public communication, and logistical support, such as water containers and transportation assistance (if and when funding is available), could also accompany the deployment of these stations to increase their effectiveness and accessibility.

Ideal sites should be accessible, secure, and already equipped with basic infrastructure that provides potable water. Potential options, subject to further discussion and approval by the County, may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• County or City Halls: These locations often have water infrastructure and can function as a dedicated water filling station.
• Fire Stations: Fire stations are well distributed and have water access, especially in more rural parts of the County.
• Community or Recreation Centers: These locations are familiar to residents, have ample space for vehicles, and can support large-scale operations.
• Public Institutions: Libraries or school campuses typically have parking, restrooms, and water access.
• Parks with Potable Water Access: Some parks have water hookups and can serve as temporary sites for dedicated water filling stations.

The facilities described above would be activated for emergency water supplies using the process described in the "Emergency and Interim Drinking Water Distribution Plan." Locations, operating hours, and other information regarding these dedicated water filling stations would be communicated using the process described in the Emergency and Interim Drinking Water Distribution Plan.

4.2.1.2 Packaged or Bottled Water Supplies During a Drought and Water Shortage Emergency (STRA-02)
This short-term response action outlines the process for distributing emergency and interim drinking water supplies to affected domestic well users and state small water system communities. These activities are anticipated for events lasting up to four weeks. Unless otherwise noted, implementation of these activities is subject to declaration of a State or federal emergency consistent with the County DRP San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan

4 Short -Term Response Actions
or by direction of the County Board of Supervisors. The following sections outline the drought or water shortage conditions that initiate the activation of the Emergency and Interim Drinking Water Distribution Plan and describe the procedures for distributing water to physically vulnerable domestic well and state small water system communities.

Drought or Water Shortage Stages
Declaring a drought or water shortage is important as it communicates a potential or ongoing emergency, activates mutual aid agreements, and is the first step in accessing State and federal resources that may be available to assist the County in implementing short-term response actions.

Federal and State authorities have their own processes for declaring a drought or water shortage emergency, and County staff should understand current processes and be aware of potential revisions.

A federal disaster declaration may make resources from FEMA available. The state can also make an emergency declaration which makes State resources available. An emergency declaration by federal or State authorities influences the implementation of the short-term response actions identified in this County DRP. In the event of a federal or State disaster declaration, the County should consider how to leverage additional resources to activate the short-term response actions identified in this County DRP.

This County DRP outlines a process for classifying water shortage stage, detailed in Appendix A "Water Shortage Emergency Response Process." This process uses indicators of water supply (Appendix A, Table A-1) with defined criteria that place the County in one of three water shortage stages: Readiness, Alert, and Emergency. These indicators and activation considerations were used to develop actions to address a water shortage. The information in the table is not exhaustive and is intended to show potential indicators of water supply conditions.
• In the Readiness Stage, there is no major drought or potential for water shortage. In this stage, County staff completes its County DRP adaptive management planning described in Section 6.2 "Implementation Roadmap."
• In the Warning Stage, drought or the potential for water shortage exists, but there is no active water shortage emergency. In this stage, County staff increases communication and outreach activities and initiates coordination with other entities. County staff may consider recommending that the Task Force and/or the County Board of Supervisors activate the County's water conservation policies outlined in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan. • If a State or federally declared water shortage emergency is imminent or actively occurring, the County is in the Emergency Stage. In this stage, County staff, in coordination with the Task Force and County Board of Supervisors, would declare a water shortage emergency and activate the Water Distribution Plan described in the following section, "Emergency and Interim Drinking Water Distribution Plan."
Emergency and Interim Drinking Water Distribution Plan
The Emergency and Interim Drinking Water Distribution Plan outlines the process for distributing emergency and interim drinking water supplies to affected domestic well users and state small water system communities. This includes the following steps: Activation, Notification, Distribution, and Information Collection. Unless otherwise noted, implementation of these activities is subject to declaration of a state or federal emergency consistent with the County DRP or by direction of the County Board of Supervisors.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan

4 Short -Term Response Actions

1. Activation: Activation of the Emergency and Interim Drinking Water Distribution Plan is subject to recommendation by County OES and approval by the Board of Supervisors. Activation is informed by an assessment conducted by County OES that includes:
■ Cause of the water shortage emergency
■ Affected geographic area and demographics of the affected population • Emergency and interim water supply type(s)
■ Estimated duration of need
County OES, following review of the assessment, may authorize activation administratively, through the County Board of Supervisors, or other applicable authorities.

2. Notification: County OES will serve as the lead agency managing notification to the affected community on how and where to get emergency water supplies. Depending on the demographics of the affected community, information, materials, and other notifications should be required for non-English speaking communities. The notification method may vary depending on the cause of the water shortage emergency (climate -influenced, wildfire, etc.). Anticipated notification methods may include:
• Agency website ( https://www.sanbenitocountyca.gov/departments/office-of-emergency- services-oes-and-emergency-medical-services)
• Email
• U.S. Mail
■ Broadcast media (radio/television)
■ County Alert (SBCAIert)
• Door hangers, fliers, information kiosks
■ Public outreach meetings and other existing meetings
Notification methods may include coordination/collaboration with other partner agencies and organizations, such as:
■ Neighborhood associations
• Nonprofit organizations
■ Schools and religious or community groups

3. Distribution: In areas where the other emergency and interim drinking water supplies are unavailable, the County should provide packaged or bottled water (i.e., 1- to 5 -gallon jugs and individual bottled waters) to affected domestic well and state small water system users during a State or federally declared water shortage emergency. Typically, the County would partner with local grocery stores (e.g., Safeway, Grocery Outlet) to distribute packaged or bottled waters. All vendors must be approved by the California Department of Public Health Food and Drug Branch as commercial bottled water vendors. Packaged or bottled water would be distributed at existing Community Points of Distribution (CPOD) locations throughout the County in areas that San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan

•441
lif 1108

4 Short -Term Response Actions
were identified as vulnerable listed below in Table 4-2. These sites were selected based on their geographic distribution and their capacity to accommodate large numbers of people accessing commodities by truck, car, or bus.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan

4 Short -Term Response Actions
Table 4-2. San Benito County Drought Resilience Plan Emergency and Interim Drinking Water Distribution Plan Regions with Water
Shortage
Vulnerabilities
Emergency and Interim Drinking Water Distribution
Cooperating
Organizations
San Juan Bautista:
•
Bulk water delivery and packed water distribution at Anzar High School (2000 San Juan •
Anzar High School
Highway, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045) or San Juan School (100 Nyland Drive, San Juan •
San Benito County
Bautista, CA 95045)
Public Health
A. Communities
within the North San
• Dedicated water filling stations as identified by the County (STRA-01) •
San Benito County OES
Benito Basin and
Hollister:
•
County Workforce
Santa Ana Valley Basin
•
Bulk water delivery and packed water distribution at the County Workforce Development Development
Office (1161 San Felipe Road, Hollister, CA 95023), San Benito Public Health (351 Tres Pinos Road, Hollister, CA 95023) or San Benito High School (1220 Monterey Street, Hollister, CA •
Other locations as
identified by the
95023)
County
•
Dedicated water filling stations as identified by the County (STRA-01) B. Communities within
the Corralitos—Pajaro
•
Bulk water delivery and packed water distribution at Aromas School (365 Vega Street, Aromas, CA 95004)
•
Aromas School
Valley Basin
•
Dedicated water filling stations as identified by the County (STRA-01) C. Western fractured
rock basins in the
•
Bulk water delivery and packed water distribution at the San Benito County •
San Benito County
western portion of the
Fairgrounds/Bolado Park (9000 Airline Highway, Tres Pinos, CA 95075) Public Health
County within the
•
Dedicated water filling stations as identified by the County (STRA-01) •
San Benito County OES
Gabilan Range
D. East -central
fractured rock basins
•
Bulk water delivery and packed water distribution at the San Benito County •
San Benito County
near Antelope Valley
Fairgrounds/Bolado Park (9000 Airline Highway, Tres Pinos, CA 95075) Public Health
and Las Aguilas
•
Dedicated water filling stations as identified by the County (STRA-01) •
San Benito County OES
Canyon
E. South-central
portion of the County
•
San Benito County
within the Diablo
•
Bulk water delivery and packed water distribution at any of the locations described above public Health
Range and the
Hernandez Valley
(depending on location[s] of water shortage[s])
•
San Benito County OES
Basin
Key: OES = Office of Emergency Services
San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan

4 Short -Term Response Actions

4.2.1.3 Partnerships and Mutual Aid Agreements (STRA-03) In previous water shortage emergencies, County staff have partnered with NGOs, including the American Red Cross and the Community Water Center to assist with providing interim drinking water supplies to domestic well users and state small water system communities. In some instances, NGOs may provide direct assistance to affected domestic well users and state small water system communities without assistance from County staff. In these circumstances, County staff would coordinate with the NGOs to track coverage and needs. County staff could also consider coordinating with nonprofit/community-based organizations, cities, water districts, and school districts by establishing formal mutual aid agreements to streamline emergency response efforts, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and ensuring timely access to shared resources during water shortage events.

4.2.2 Permit Streamlining and Coordination
As drought or water shortage conditions worsen and the production or quality of water at domestic wells or state small water systems declines, well owners may be able to install a new well or rehabilitate an existing one to ensure continued water supply reliability. Streamlined permitting allows counties and agencies to quickly implement emergency water solutions. Delays in permitting can hinder timely access to water for domestic well users and state small water system communities.

4.2.2.1 Expedited New or Replacement Well Approval During Water Shortage (STRA- 04)
SBCWD oversees the well permit process and ensures that all new or modified wells comply with local and state groundwater protection standards. SBCWD also works in coordination with County Environmental Health and other regulatory bodies to align permitting with groundwater sustainability goals.

SBCWD has already implemented a streamlined well permitting process during water shortage emergencies and can usually approve new or rehabilitated well permits within a few days of submission under this process. SBCWD also provides clear procedures and contact information for applicants, helping streamline the process for residents seeking well permits. Since SBCWD is the lead agency for reviewing and approving well permits in the County, it reduces the need for applicants to navigate multiple agencies independently. SBCWD's streamlining process does not relax permitting criteria related to water supply, such as proximity to other wells or water quality requirements —not appropriately considering water supply criteria could worsen a water supply shortage for other groundwater users or exacerbate an ongoing water shortage.

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5 Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions

5. Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions
The risk assessment presented in Chapter 3, "Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment," demonstrates potential localized and regional water supply concerns, including the density of domestic wells in fractured rock areas as well as wildfire and water quality risks. While risks that impact the basic public health and safety of residents can be addressed through short-term response actions, long-term mitigation strategies and actions mitigate and potentially prevent the conditions that lead to water shortage emergencies. Long-term mitigation strategies and actions aim to reduce drought and water shortage vulnerabilities for domestic well and state small water system communities. When implemented, long-term mitigation strategies and actions can reduce the extent and cost of emergency response actions but cannot eliminate the need for emergency response actions.

5.1 Legislative Direction
SB 552 requires that each County develop a drought and water shortage plan that covers long-term solutions for state small water systems and domestic wells, per CWC Section 10609.70 (emphasis added as related to long-term mitigation strategies and actions and this section of the County DRP):
(b) A county shall develop a plan that includes potential drought and water shortage risk and proposed interim and long-term solutions for state small water systems and domestic wells within the county's jurisdiction. The plan may be a stand- alone document or may be included as an element in an existing county plan, such as a local hazard mitigation plan, emergency operations plan, climate action plan, or general plan. A county shall consult with its drought task force or alternative coordinating process as established by this section in developing its plan. A county shall consider, at a minimum, all of the following in its plan:
(1) Consolidations for existing water systems and domestic wells. (2) Domestic well drinking water mitigation programs.
(3) Provision of emergency and interim drinking water solutions. (4) An analysis of the steps necessary to implement the plan. (5) An analysis of local, state, and federal funding sources available to implement the plan

5.2 San Benito County Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions As shown in Table 5-1, eight long-term mitigation strategies and actions have been identified and are organized into four categories: domestic well drinking water mitigation programs, system consolidation, regional water infrastructure investment, and data gaps. Each long-term mitigation strategy and action category and their ability to help address domestic well and state small water system vulnerabilities will be described in the subsequent sections following Table 5-1.

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5 Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions
Table 5-1. San Benito County Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions Identification
Category
Title
Description
Lead and
Supporting
Agencies
LTMSA-01
Domestic Well
Drinking Water
Mitigation
Programs
Drought and Water
Shortage Risk
Assessment
County staff should review and consider as -needed updates to the County DRP Risk Assessment to incorporate updated information and revisions to the WSVE Tool.

County OES
(Lead)
LTMSA-02
Domestic Well
Drinking Water
Mitigation
Programs
Water Shortage
Prevention: Assistance
with State Small Water
Systems and Domestic
Wells
SBCWD staff should provide well drillers with information to assist in determining location and depth, including depths below minimum thresholds if necessary, as defined in the GSP and connect them to GSA resources. For communities outside the GSA, County Water District staff could help facilitate access to well sampling vendors to ensure consistent water quality monitoring
SBCWD (Lead)
County
Environmental
Health
(Support)
LTMSA-03
Domestic Well
Drinking Water
Mitigation
Programs
Communication and
Outreach: Enhance
Access to Resources
and Support
SBCWD staff should explore opportunities to partner with other County departments and water districts to expand the WRASBC website to consolidate water -shortage -related information and resources, including educational workshop opportunities, for domestic well or state small water systems users.

SBCWD (Lead)
Misc. County
Departments
(Support)
LTMSA-04
Domestic Well
Drinking Water
Mitigation
Programs
Shallow Well
Replacement
SBCWD Staff should assist domestic well and state small water system communities by providing informational resources on replacing shallow wells that have run dry in the past or may do so in the future.

SBCWD (Lead)
LTMSA-05
Domestic Well
Drinking Water
Mitigation
Programs
Drinking Water
Supplies: Water
Hauling and Storage
Tanks
As funding becomes available, County staff should explore acquiring equipment to establish programs to provide temporary, mobile bulk water hauling and storage tanks for domestic well and state small water system users that currently lack these resources during water shortage emergencies.

County OES
(Lead)
SBCWD
(Support)
LTMSA-06
System
Consolidation
Potential System
Consolidation
Opportunities
County staff should continue to support domestic well and state small water system communities by monitoring and evaluating the feasibility of additional system consolidations and identifying funding opportunities as needed.

County Public
Works (Lead)
SBCWD
(Support)
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5 Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions
Identification
Category
Title
Description
Lead and
Supporting
Agencies
LTMSA-07
Regional Water
Infrastructure
Investment
Regional Water Project
Integration
During development project approval, SBCWD staff should consider opportunities for more coordinated regional planning to help strengthen water supply resilience for domestic wells and state small water systems.

SBCWD (Lead)

LTMSA OS
Data Gaps
Dry Well Reporting and
Abandonment
In order to better track wells that have gone dry, SBCWD staff should revise the permitting process so that new well permits feature an additional field to identify replacement wells for domestics wells and state small water systems, along with reason for well replacement.

SBCWD (Lead)
Key:

County = San Benito County
DWR = California Department of Water Resources
GSA = Groundwater Sustainability Agency
LTMSA = Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions
OES = Office of Emergency Services
WRASBC = Water Resources Association of San Benito County San Benito County
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5 Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions

5.2.1 Domestic WeII Drinking Water Mitigation Programs
Based on hydrologic conditions and increased demand for groundwater resources in dry and drought years, certain relatively shallow groundwater wells or groundwater wells in certain locations may be more susceptible to water shortage conditions, given that these wells could run dry more frequently. In some instances, GSPs include domestic well drinking water mitigation programs to protect drinking water access for vulnerable communities. The North San Benito GSP and the Corralitos—Pajaro Valley GSP Alternative did not conduct a vulnerable well analysis or establish domestic well drinking water mitigation programs.

CWC Section 10609.70 (b)(2) requires counties to consider domestic well drinking water mitigation programs.' The intention of these domestic well drinking water mitigation programs is to establish the necessary protocols and processes to ensure that residents within the County's jurisdiction have access to resources to reduce water shortage risks or mitigate the impacts of dry wells.

This County DRP groups domestic well drinking water mitigation programs into four main categories, adapted from the guidance in DWR's County Drought Resilience Guidebook (DWR 2023a). These categories include: (1) identifying wells that may be impacted by means of a thorough drought and water shortage risk assessment; (2) developing proactive strategies to prevent water shortages, (3) establishing options for mitigation such as shallow well replacement; (4) and enhancing drinking water supply.

5.2.1.1 Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment (LTMSA-01) The drought and water shortage risk assessment documented in Chapter 3, "Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment," is a key component of a drinking water mitigation program. It helps define the areas and populations with domestic wells and small water systems with higher vulnerabilities to water shortage. It also characterizes what conditions may be driving water shortage vulnerabilities. Both can help inform the components of a domestic well drinking water mitigation program.

The risk assessment completed and documented in Chapter 3, "Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment," was used to help select the components of the domestic well drinking water mitigation program documented in this County DRP. County staff should periodically review and update the risk assessment as needed to incorporate the latest data, evolving drought conditions, and enhancements to tools including the WSVE Tool. These updates can help ensure that vulnerability analyses remain accurate and actionable, particularly for domestic well and state small water system communities.

5.2.1.2 Water Shortage Prevention: Assistance with State Small Water Systems and Domestic Wells (LTMSA-02)
Accurate siting and depth selection are essential to prevent premature well failure, avoid drilling into zones with poor water quality, and ensure compliance with GSP requirements. While the GSP establishes minimum thresholds for drilling new wells, exceptional circumstances, such as prolonged drought or localized groundwater decline, may require drilling below these minimum thresholds to ensure access to reliable water supply. By proactively sharing this information with well drillers, SBCWD can help domestic well owners and promote long-term groundwater reliability across the basin. 8 CWC Section 10609.70(b)(2) uses the term, "domestic well drinking water mitigation programs." For the purposes of this County DRP, these programs are considered to be inclusive of both domestic wells and state small water systems.

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5 Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions
SBCWD staff can also assist domestic well communities by providing other GSA resources, such as groundwater reports, data on water levels and quality trends, and guidance on interpreting these findings. This information can help domestic well and state small water system users better understand local groundwater conditions.

5.2.1.3 Communication and Outreach: Enhance Access to Resources and Support (LTMSA-03)
Educational outreach to domestic well users and state small water systems in San Benito County plays a key role in preventing water shortages and promoting long-term groundwater sustainability. While SBCWD plays a vital role in managing groundwater and supporting water resilience across the region, it is equally important that the services and resources they provide are widely known and accessible to the public. Many domestic well and state small water system users may not be aware of the tools, data, and support available to them through SBCWD. This lack of awareness can leave communities vulnerable during droughts, water shortages, or even contamination events. Improving public awareness through targeted outreach, clear communication, and accessible platforms can help ensure that residents are informed, engaged, and able to take advantage of available resources and programs.

Centralizing water shortage information and expanding access to technical or financial resources helps ensure that all residents, especially those in rural or underserved areas, can respond effectively to water challenges. SBCWD should explore partnerships to expand the Water Resources Association of San Benito County (WRASBC) website as a centralized hub for water shortage information. This could include maps of CPOD and water filling stations, water quality testing options, and point -of -use treatment guidance. Educational workshop opportunities on topics such as emergency preparedness and water conservation can also be published on the WRASBC website. For communities outside the GSA, SBCWD should continue to serve as a connector to link domestic well and state small water system users with sampling vendors, technical assistance providers, and funding opportunities. By consolidating these resources, SBCWD can empower residents to take proactive steps in managing their water supply and mitigate the risk of water shortage.

5.2.1.4 Shallow Well Replacement (LTMSA-04)
Shallow well replacement directly mitigates water shortage vulnerabilities that are likely to occur.

Although the County has not historically experienced widespread issues with wells running dry, it is still important to proactively consider resources to support shallow well replacement as part of its domestic well drinking water mitigation strategy. Shallow domestic wells are inherently more vulnerable to groundwater level fluctuations caused by over pumping, prolonged drought, or climate change impacts.

For this long-term mitigation strategy and action, SBCWD should consider the following actions to support shallow well replacement:

1. Provide informational resources on replacing shallow wells that have run dry in the past or may do so in the future. This can include conditions to monitor failing wells, who to contact in the event of a well failure, and a list of vendors that can help drill a new well.

2. Assist with acquiring financial support via grants for drilling a replacement well by connecting domestic well or state small water system communities to potential grants or other financial resources.

3. Provide well drillers with guidance on the appropriate drilling depth based on groundwater information using GSP groundwater data.

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5 Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions

5.2.1.5 Drinking Water Supplies: Water Hauling and Storage Tanks (LTMSA-05) As funding becomes available, the County should explore acquiring equipment to establish a program for temporary, mobile bulk water hauling to support domestic well users and state small water systems.

A mobile water hauling program can serve as a critical resource during water shortage emergencies.

Essential equipment for a bulk water hauling program would include potable water trucks, pumping and transfer equipment, storage areas, disinfection and monitoring tools, and a centralized dispatch system for coordinating deliveries and emergency response. On the receiving end, some domestic well users and state small water systems may lack adequately sized water storage tanks to receive hauled water.

As such, the County should also explore options to assist these users in obtaining or upgrading storage capacity, either through direct support, partnerships, or grant programs. By investing in specialized mobile bulk water hauling equipment and infrastructure, the County can proactively address water insecurity and reduce emergency response costs.

5.2.2 System Consolidation
System consolidation is the physical or managerial joining of two or more water systems. This section identifies potential consolidation opportunities for domestic wells and state small water systems. The County has already taken steps to explore system consolidation options to improve water reliability and operational efficiency, particularly with small community water systems. Sunnyslope County Water District, in partnership with SBCWD, is currently leading a major system consolidation initiative supported by $17 million in State funding (DWR 2023b). This funding, provided through DWR, is aimed at addressing critical water quality and reliability issues in underrepresented communities. Of the total funding, $13.2 million has been allocated specifically to the County to support the consolidation of four failing small water systems, as described below. The remaining funds are designated for similar efforts in neighboring Monterey County. The consolidation will improve access to clean reliable drinking water, replace aging infrastructure, and strengthen regional water resilience in the face of ongoing drought and groundwater depletion.

1. Best Road Mutual Water Company: Best Road Mutual Water Company is a small water utility company in the City of Hollister serving the Heatherwood, Fox Hills Estates, and Fischer subdivisions. This consolidation effort will allow Sunnyslope County Water District to succeed Best Road Mutual Water Company and supply potable water to 48 existing customers of the Best Road Mutual Water Company. System consolidation was driven by failing wells, poor water quality, and low production in drought years.

2. Venture Estates Mutual Water Company: Venture Estates Mutal Water Company serves the Harben Way area in Hollister. While Ventura Estates serves 18 residences, making it larger than a state small water system, it is small enough that it falls under state oversight for community water systems.

3. Stonegate Subdivision (County Service Area #31): The Stonegate Subdivision falls within County Service Area 31 and comprises 74 residential parcels. The well historically delivers poor water quality and lacks the reliability needed to support the community's long-term water needs, particularly during periods of drought or increased demand.

4. Tres Pinos Water District: The Tres Pinos Water District serves 121 parcels, with eight being commercial, in the community of Tres Pinos in the County. Tres Pinos Water District has faced San Benito County
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5 Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions
challenges with aging infrastructure and limited water supply, especially during drought conditions.

Figure 54 provides a visual overview of how the small systems will be integrated, showing how the separate service areas will be unified with a water service network aimed at improving reliability, water quality, and operational efficiency. System consolidation is underway, with construction anticipated to be completed by October 2026.
4EGEND
Proposed Improvements
Proposed SNIP,
Proposed P'pe 11
M Wale, Tent: {at BRM':,'C Ste1 .
hes PMos Distribution System
• Eststing
7,1 Water Tam
ms Sen. we Boundary
•.•. Plpe
Stonegate Distrbution System
O Ex:sttna'.'.'eli
'• .YaterTunk
--•• Per, Ice Boundary
Pipe
Venture Estates Distribution System
BRMWC Distribution System
Eer.ise Boundary
• V‘Ver Tank
Inrr = s wu lr

SMALL COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM CONSOLIDATIONS

WITH SUNNYSLOPE WATER DISTRICT
M1'AC X 111-2,,
rFEATED tiY .�hW
ux-,
FX.EFIFM+ fF�
F;40
N„I vFNtcNtAn.ul ilit'!-t
of rrVh fti MAV
.TI F,A, t MI,r
Figure 5-1. Small Community Water System Consolidations with Sunnyslope Water District

5.2.2.1 Potential System Consolidation Opportunities (LTMSA-06) In the context of domestic wells and state small water systems, these systems can be consolidated with each other and/or a larger water system. System consolidation can improve water supply reliability by broadening water supply sources and/or the numbers of users. With more users in a singular system, operating and maintaining that system can be more cost effective compared to smaller or individual systems.

There are opportunities for system consolidation involving domestic wells and state small water systems in San Benito County, particularly where these systems fall within or near the service boundaries of existing community water systems. While a community water system is not required to provide water service to domestic well and state small water system communities, their proximity may increase the feasibility of system consolidation. Consolidation in these areas could improve water quality and San Benito County
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5 Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions
reliability by connecting often under-resourced systems to more comprehensive infrastructure. Policy or institutional hurdles may be less onerous if domestic wells and state small water systems are in an existing service area. Identifying these opportunities, especially in areas that are more vulnerable to water shortages or contamination risks, can help the County advance long-term water security goals.

Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems in Community Water System Service Areas Table 5-2 presents community water systems that likely have domestic wells and/or state small water systems in their service areas. Due to the uncertainty of the domestic well location data, this table may not reflect all community water systems with domestic wells or state small water systems in their service areas. The information in this table highlights where outreach and additional analysis by County Public Works staff with these community water systems may be most effective.

Table 5-2. Community Water Systems with Domestic Wells and/or State Small Water Systems Likely Within Their Service Area
Community Water Systems with Domestic Wells
Likely in Their Service Areasl' Z
Approximate
Domestic
WeII Count
Number of State Small
Water Systems Likely in
Their Service Areas
Aromas Water District
51-100
0 Tres Pinos Water District
0-50
0 City of Hollister
26-50
2 City of San Juan Bautista
0-25
0 Dunneville Estates County Service Area #50
0-25
0 McCloskey Road LLC
0-25
1 Sunnyslope County Water District
26-50
1 Casa de Fruta Orchards
0-25
1 Ashford Highlands Mutual Water Company
0-25
1 Rancho San Joaquin Mutual Water Company
0-25
1 McMahon Road Mutual Water Company
0-25
1 San Justo Mutual Water Company
0-25
1 Union Heights Mutal Water Company
0-25
0 Creekbridge Mutual Water Company
0-25
0 San Juan Oaks Mutual Water Company
0-25
0 Notes:
'The number of domestic wells within a community water system's service area are presented as a range, since the exact number may be inaccurate due to unknown or unverified well locations. 2 Domestic wells and state small water systems within a community water system's service area are based on the established service area boundary are do not reflect the proximity to existing water delivery infrastructure. Additional analysis would be needed to determine the proximity of domestic wells and state small water systems to existing water delivery infrastructure.

Groupings of Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems near Community Water Systems The proximity of domestic wells and state small water systems to service areas of community water systems was also evaluated to identify system consolidation opportunities. Domestic wells and state small water systems that are within 1 mile of a community water system are highlighted as potential consolidation opportunities (Figure 5-2). Table 5-3 summarizes those areas of consolidation opportunity, including the number of domestic wells and state small water systems in each area and the nearby San Benito County
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5 Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions
community water systems. Note that some of the areas of system consolidation opportunity highlighted in Figure 5-2 may also overlap with domestic wells and state small water systems within a community water system's boundary as described above.

Additional system consolidation opportunities may exist beyond the areas outlined below. County staff will remain engaged and responsive to all emerging opportunities as they arise.

Evaluating Consolidation Opportunities in the County
With additional resources, County staff, in collaboration with other water districts, should work with domestic well owners, state small water systems, and community water systems to further evaluate the opportunity or develop a plan for physical system consolidation, where appropriate. This evaluation could include outreach to the above systems areas to better understand the system consolidation opportunities (e.g., interest in and willingness to consolidate, water supply availability and water quality constraints, water delivery infrastructure (distance to, components and capacities, etc.), potential for funding and financing for a system consolidation study and infrastructure, points of contact, and other considerations).

Table 5-3. Areas with Opportunity for Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems Consolidation Area of
System
Consolidation
Opportunity
Approximate
Number of
Domestic
Wells
Number of
State Small
Water
Systems
Community Water Systems that Could Be
Involved in Consolidation with Domestic
Wells or State Small Water Systems
Physical
Vulnerability
Score
Area A:

Communities
around Spring
Grove Road
82 2
Rancho San Joaquin Mutual Water Company
McMahon Road Mutual Water Company
Springwood Estates Mutual Water Company
Comstock Mutual Water Company
High
g
Area B:

Communities
near North
Hollister
64 4
City of Hollister
Sunnyslope County Water District
Medium High
Area C:

Communities
south of
Hollister
20 3
Creekbridge Mutual Water Company
Sunnyslope County Water District
San Justo Mutual Water Company
Medium -High
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5 Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions
State Small Water System Distance to
Nearest Community Water System
Community Water System
0 to 1 Mile
',..11,111:01.1:1113. 1 to 2 Miles
III
2 to 3 Miles
More than 3 Miles
o
C:Q
0 to 1 Mile
1 to 2 Miles
2 to 3 Miles
• More than 3 Miles
Note: Proximity is based on distance to a community water system's service area boundary not proximity to water delivery infrastructure.

San Benito
County
Notes

1.'Laa,anate Sy: em NA!, I:.F„ aae?laia i alirn.n:,3

3. B:,( nd: vyhnd t; f per
San Benito County Domestic Wells & SSWS
Distance to Community Water Systems
Figure 5-2. Areas with Opportunity for Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems Consolidation San Benito County
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5 Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions

5.2.3 Regional Water Infrastructure Investment
Many regional and County planning efforts intersect with the County DRP, creating a coordinated framework for addressing water scarcity, climate adaptation, and infrastructure resilience. These efforts include integrated groundwater management under SGMA, climate action planning, and long-range planning policy that address future growth. Together, they reinforce the County DRP's goals to build long-term drought resilience across the County. The long-term mitigation strategies and actions in this section describe how County and SBCWD staff could integrate into regional planning and regional water infrastructure to help enhance the water supply reliability of domestic well and state small water system communities. Additional information on the near -term integration into regional planning or water infrastructure is included in Chapter 6.

5.2.3.1 Regional Water Project Integration (LTMSA-07)
During the development project approval process, particularly for proposals involving new or independent water systems, SBCWD staff should actively identify opportunities for coordinated regional water planning. This may include recommending that state small water systems or domestic wells be interconnected with larger, more established systems when feasible. Such integration can improve operational efficiency, enhance water supply reliability, and reduce long-term maintenance and compliance challenges for domestic well and state small water system users. By promoting regional connectivity and shared infrastructure, SBCWD can help ensure sustainable water management and strengthen resilience against drought and other supply disruptions.

5.2.4 Data Gaps
The content in this County DRP used available data to support (1) evaluation of the vulnerability of domestic wells and state small water systems to water shortages, and (2) development and alignment of effective short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions. Access to new or more accurate/complete data, along with continued discussion with the Task Force, would help improve future planning efforts, including updates to the risk assessment. This section details the long-term mitigation strategies and actions, as identified in Table 5-1, that would provide new or improved data for use in future planning efforts.

5.2.4.1 Dry Well Reporting and Abandonment (LTMSA-08)
The risk assessment in Chapter 3, "Drought and Water Shortage Risk Assessment," considers the presence of any dry domestic wells located within a particular block group. While the risk assessment and discussion with the Drought Task Force indicate that the County is not highly susceptible to dry wells, it remains essential to document and monitor this risk. Reporting dry wells supports proactive water resource planning and helps safeguard domestic well and state small water system communities.

DWR's OSWCR allows domestic well communities to report problems with their wells that impact water supplies (DWR 2025b).

However, not all domestic well and state small water systems users may report when their wells run dry, leaving the original dry well unreported and excluded from official records. To address this gap, SBCWD should consider integrating dry well reporting into the well permitting process, both for new wells and replacements. This would allow for systematic tracking of dry well occurrences, helping to identify drought impacts and inform proactive mitigation strategies. Such data could also support regional planning efforts, including updates to the GSP, hazard mitigation planning, and coordination with state small water systems that may be experiencing similar impacts San Benito County
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6 Implementation Considerations

6. Implementation Considerations
The short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions identified and described in Chapter 4, "Short -Term Response Actions," and Chapter 5, "Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions," represent the range of in -progress and proposed activities. Implementation of these short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions often (1) falls under the authorities and jurisdictional responsibilities of SBCWD and multiple County departments and other local and State public agencies, and (2) requires the involvement of other interested parties. To implement these short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions, and contribute to continued improvement of water supply reliability for domestic well and state small water system communities, this section describes the implementation steps designed to assist the County with:
• Ongoing water supply monitoring and interagency collaboration • Outlining short-term response action and long-term mitigation strategy and action implementation responsibility, status, and resource needs • Identifying opportunities to align the County DRP with other County policy and County and regional planning documents
• Incorporating adaptive management
• Identifying funding opportunities

6.1 Legislative Direction
SB 552 requires the County to develop a drought and water shortage plan that analyzes the steps to implement the plan and funding sources available to support implementation, per CWC Section 10609.70 (emphasis added as related to plan implementation and this section of the County DRP):
(b) A county shall develop a plan that includes potential drought and water shortage risk and proposed interim and long-term solutions for state small water systems and domestic wells within the county's jurisdiction. The plan may be a stand- alone document or may be included as an element in an existing county plan, such as a local hazard mitigation plan, emergency operations plan, climate action plan, or general plan. A county shall consult with its drought task force or alternative coordinating process as established by this section in developing its plan. A county shall consider, at a minimum, all of the following in its plan:
(1) Consolidations for existing water systems and domestic wells. (2) Domestic well drinking water mitigation programs.
(3) Provision of emergency and interim drinking water solutions. (4) An analysis of the steps necessary to implement the plan. (5) An analysis of local, state, and federal funding sources available to implement the plan
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6 Implementation Considerations

6.2 Implementation Roadmap
The County DRP describes existing and proposed short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions that, when executed, help the County meet its objectives under CWC Section 10609.70 (b) (1), (b) (2), and (b) (3). Implementing these short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions will require resources and clear roles and responsibilities. The identified short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions include existing or new activities to be implemented under existing authorities and funding of County departments as well as activities that are dependent on appropriation of funds from local, State, or federal resources.

This section presents the implementation roadmap for this County DRP; identification of ongoing monitoring and collaboration with County and SBCWD staff; and conduct of management oversight, prioritization, and resource identification needs. Many identified short-term response actions and long- term mitigation strategies and actions have funding and resource requirements beyond what is currently available to the County.

6.2.1 Monitoring and Collaboration
Supply monitoring and interagency collaboration support County DRP implementation by evaluating water supply reliability and maintaining ongoing coordination and collaboration among County departments, related organizations, and the Task Force. County and SBCWD staff may regularly conduct a variety of monitoring activities, as outlined in Table 6-1. These activities may be superseded by the activities described in Section 4.2.1.2 "Packaged or Bottled Water Supplies During a Drought and Water Shortage Emergency" if a drought or water shortage emergency has occurred.

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6 Implementation Considerations
Table 6-1. San Benito County Drought Resilience Plan Monitoring and Collaboration Activities Activity
Description
Lead Agency
Timing
Task Force
Meeting
County staff to schedule and facilitate a minimum of one Task Force meeting annually to review current drought conditions, coordinating response efforts, and evaluating the implementation and progress of short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions. Discussion shall support County staff, in collaboration with its Task Force, with identifying y g potential activation of
water shortage response measures as described in this plan if deemed necessary.

County OES
Once a year
Water Supply
Monitoring and
Coordination
SBCWD to monitor physical risk factors and water supply conditions as associated with domestic well and state small water system communities SBCWD
As needed
GSA Coordination
County staff to meet with SBCWD and the Pajaro Valley Management Agency prior to the GSA's release of the basin/subbasin GSP Annual Report (Water Code Section 10728). May include additional coordination based on water supply conditions.

SBCWD
Once a year
GSA Coordination
County staff to engage, where applicable, with SBCWD, Pajaro Valley Management Agency , and other technical groups/committees where those activities assist to inform or implement actions that complement the County DRP.

County OES
As needed
County DRP
Website Update
County OES to update the website content and resource materials. This includes any contact info, list of resources (vendors, links to external websites, etc.), and other website content. Website to be hosted on OES webpage within County website.

County OES
Once a year prior to
Task Force meeting,
and as water supply
conditions merit
Key:

DRP = Drought Resilience Plan
GSA = Groundwater Sustainability Agency
GSP = Groundwater Sustainability Plan
OES = Office of Emergency Services
SBCWD = San Benito County Water District
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6 Implementation Considerations

6.2.2 Oversight, Timeline, and Resource Needs
Table 6-2 details the implementation of the County DRP short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions, including the responsible and coordinating entities, implementation priority and status, and resource requirements. The identified short-term response actions and long- term mitigation strategies and actions have been assigned to County departments and agencies pursuant to each agency's regulatory and policy authorities. For the short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions that fall outside of the County's regulatory and policy authorities, County OES, as lead agency of the County DRP, should provide administrative oversight and act in a collaborative role to ensure the implementation of these activities, as appropriate. The information in Table 6-2 may change outside the County DRP process and should be regularly updated.

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6 Implementation Considerations
Table 6-2. San Benito County Drought Resilience Plan Implementation Matrix Action and/or Strategy Identification and Title
Lead
Agency
Supporting
Agency
Activation
Timeline'
Status'
Additional Resource
Requirements3
Staff
Time
County
Budget
Outside
Funds
STRA-01: Dedicated Water Filling Stations
County OES
County Public
Health Services
IVeair Term.

Available
Yes
No
No
STRA-02: Packaged and Bottled Water Supplies
County OES
County Public
Health Services
Mid -Term
In
Progress
Yes
No
No
STRA-03: Partnerships and Mutal Aid Agreements
County OES
County Public
Health Services
Mid -Term
in
Progress
Yes
No
No
STRA-04: Expedited New or Replacement Well
Approval During Water Shortage
SBCWD
County OES
Near -Terra
In
Progress
Yes
No
No
LTMSA 01: Drought and Water Shortage Risk
Assessment
County OES
Long -Term
Proposed
Yes
No
No
LTMSA-02: Water Shortage Prevention: Assistance
with State Small Water Systems and Domestic Well
Monitoring
SBCWD
County
Environmental
Health
Mid -Term
In
Progress
No
No
No
LTMSA-03: Communication and Outreach: Enhance
Access to Resources and Support
SBCWD
Misc. County
Departments
blear -Tear►
Proposed
Yes
Yes
No
LTMSA-04: Shallow WeII Replacement
SBCWD
Mid -Term
In
Progress
Yes
No
No
LTMSA-05: Drinking Water Supplies: Water Hauling
and Storage Tanks
County OES
SBCWD
Long -Term
Proposed
Yes
Yes
No
LTMSA-06: Potential System Consolidation
Opportunities
County
Public Works
SBCWD
Long Term
Proposed
Yes
Yes
Yes
LTMSA-07: Regional Water Project Integration
SBCWD
Long -Term
Proposed
Yes
No
No
LTMSA-08: Dry WeII Reporting and Abandonment
SBCWD
Near -Term
Available
Yes
No
No
Notes
'The activation timeline column represents the anticipated timeline for the action or strategy to start and includes:
• Near -term: Action or strategy is already in progress or anticipated to begin within the next two years. • Mid-term: Action or strategy is predicted to begin within two to five years. • Long-term: Action or strategy is projected to begin five or more years in the future.

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6 Implementation Considerations
2The status column is intended to represent implementation status and is categorized as follows:
• Available: Action or strategy may be available for implementation due to near -term timeline and availability of required resources. • In progress: Action or strategy is currently being implemented. • Proposed: Action or strategy is proposed for future implementation, either due to timeline or resourcing. 3 The resource requirement column identifies anticipated additional resource requirements such as additional staff time, County budget, and/or outside funds (e.g., grants, financing, federal funding, and future State funding) beyond what the County currently has available to implement the identified actions and strategies.

Key:

OES = Office of Emergency Services
SBCWD = San Benito County Water District
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6 Implementation Considerations

6.3 Regional Planning Alignment for Implementation
Coordination by County and SBCWD staff within these -other regional and County planning efforts will support implementation and also_help ensure these plans and projects consider domestic wells and state small water systems. The information and actions contained in this document provide mutual benefits towards realizing goals and objectives of other County and regional planning efforts that may impact domestic well and state small water communities. Table 6-3 describes recommended policy alignment and/or integration actions that promote implementation of short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions identified in this County DRP through coordinated efforts with other related County and regional planning efforts.

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6 Implementation Considerations
Table 6-3. San Benito County Drought Resilience Plan Policy Alignment and Integration Related Planning
Effort
Status
Lead Agency
Intersection with the County DRP
Policy/Integration Action
County and City
General Plans
Adopted
between 2015
and 2023
County Planning
Department, City
of Hollister
Planning
Department, City
of San Juan
Bautista Planning
Department
The County DRP builds on the County and municipal
General Plans by identifying drought vulnerabilities in areas planned for growth and ensuring water supply
reliability aligns with future development. Future
growth, land use, and infrastructure policies should be informed by areas not served by centralized public
water systems.

County and City Planning
Departments to review risk
assessment and consider Short -
Term Response Actions and Long -
Term Mitigation Strategy and
Actions for future General Plan
updates
San Benito County
Multi Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation
Plan
Adopted
February 2023
County OES
The County DRP complements the plan by offering
water -specific mitigation strategies that can be
integrated into broader hazard response efforts.

Strategies for drought resilience, emergency response,
and long-term water security should account for the
unique vulnerabilities and needs of communities served
by domestic wells and state small water systems.

County OES to review risk
assessment and identify any gaps in
planning, coordination, or resources
to strengthen future mitigation
strategies.

Emergency
Operations Plan
Adopted
January 2023
County Office of
Emergency
Services
The County DRP supports operational response
readiness by identifying actions to take during a
water shortage emergency. Areas with a high
concentration of domestic wells and state small
water systems should be prioritized in planning
efforts due to their heightened vulnerability to water
supply disruptions and drought impact.

County OES to incorporate the
Emergency and Interim Drinking
Water Distribution Plan into the
Emergency Operations Plan
North San Benito
Groundwater GSP
Adopted
November
2021
San Benito County
Water District
There is a high concentration of domestic wells
located in the North San Benito Groundwater Basin.

The County DRP involved collaboration with the
Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SBCWD) to help
bridge planning efforts between emergency response
and long-term sustainability.

County OES to continue
coordination with SBCWD for
management of shared
groundwater supplies and ensure
consistency with other water
management plans
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6 Implementation Considerations
Related Planning
Effort
Status
Lead Agency
Intersection with the County DRP
Policy/Integration Action
San Benito Urban
Area Water Supply
and Treatment
Master Plan
Adopted
October 2023
City of Hollister,
City of San Juan
Bautista, San
Benito County,
SBCWD,
Sunnyslope County
Water District
The County DRP identifies vulnerable areas and
populations at risk from drought. The San Benito
Urban Areas Water Supply and Treatment Master Plan
Update identifies long-term water supply deficits during drought periods and recommends infrastructure
improvements. It also includes climate change
adaptation strategies/ emergency response planning
that could support domestic wells and state small water systems.

Each agency to review areas of
vulnerability, with a focus on
domestic wells and state small
water systems
Hollister Urban Area
Water Management
Plan both
Adopted July
2021
City of Hollister,
Sunnyslope County
Water District,
SBCWD
The County DRP aligns drought preparedness,
groundwater sustainability, and emergency water
supply strategies to support long-term reliability for
urban systems and vulnerable rural
communities.

Each agency to review areas of
vulnerability, with a focus on
domestic wells and state small
water systems
Pajaro River
Watershed
Integrated Regional
Water Management
Plan
Memorandum
of
Understanding
established
2004
Pajaro Valley
Water
Management
Agency, SBCWD,
Santa Clara Valley
Water District
The County DRP complements watershed -scale
climate adaptation initiatives by addressing water
resilience at a County level.

Each agency to review drought and
water shortage emergencies for
domestic and state small water
system communities as a
component of IRWMP
Pajaro Valley
Subbasin
Groundwater
Sustainability Plan
Alternative
Adopted 2021
Pajaro Valley
Water
Management
Agency
g Y
A significant concentration of domestic wells is
located within the Pajaro Valley Basin portion of the
County, where groundwater levels and water quality
are increasingly impacted by drought conditions.

The County DRP supports long-term groundwater
sustainability, reduces overdraft drifts, and supports
t i bilit Y
coordinated regional efforts to protect domestic well
and state small water system communities.

Pajaro Valley Water Management
Agency to review vulnerability data
on domestic well and state small
water system communities to
inform monitoring and project
prioritization
Key:

DRP = Drought Resilience Plan
IRWMP = Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
OES = Office of Emergency Services
SBCWD = San Benito County Water District
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Drought Resilience Plan
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6 Implementation Considerations
In addition to aligning with regional policy, integration of domestic wells and state small water systems into regional water infrastructure projects is also essential to support implementation. Table 6-4 summarizes current projects and assesses each project's potential to enhance supply reliability for domestic wells and state small water systems, as well as the entities involved in their development and implementation. While these projects represent efforts to enhance water supply reliability, this is not an exhaustive list; additional opportunities may exist or arise. County and SBCWD staff should continue monitoring regional planning efforts for other coordinated water infrastructure opportunities.

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6 Implementation Considerations
Table 6-4. Regional Water Projects with Applicability to Domestic Wells and/or State Small Water Systems Regional Water
Infrastructure
Projects
Project Description
Applicability to
Domestic Wells and
State Small Water
Systems
Lead Agency
North County Project'
Test wells drilled in March 2021 as part of the North County Project have been incorporated into the North San Benito GSP's monitoring network for groundwater levels and quality. Detailed data collection is underway, including ground surface elevation, screened intervals, and baseline hydrogeologic conditions, to support long- term basin management and sustainability assessments.

Moderate: Improves
groundwater
monitoring
SBCWD
ADRoP2
ADRoP includes the construction of aquifer storage and recovery wells, which enhance groundwater reliability during droughts. The project also expands the West Hills Water Treatment Plant and builds transmission pipelines, improving regional water supply resilience.

High: Increases
groundwater storage
SBCWD
City of San Juan
Bautista Regional
Water and
Wastewater Solution3
This project involves importing water from the West Hills Water Treatment Plant to San Juan Bautista to replace groundwater use.

Low: Indirectly offsets
groundwater demand
San Juan
Bautista
City of Hollister
B.F. Sisk Dam Raise'
This project consists of raising the B.F. Sisk Dam to address seismic concerns and increase water storage capability in the San Luis Reservoir.

Low: Indirectly offsets
groundwater demand
US Bureau of
Reclamation
DWR
Source:
'SBCWD and Valley Water 2025.
2 SBCWD 2025.
3San Juan Bautista 2025.
4 Reclamation 2025.

Key:

ADRoP = Accelerated Drought Response Project
DWR = California Department of Water Resources
GSP = Groundwater Sustainability Plan
SBCWD = San Benito County Water District
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6 Implementation Considerations

6.3.1 Adaptive Management for the Drought Resilience Plan The County DRP will be updated periodically or in response to updated information or changing conditions to ensure findings, short-term response actions, and long-term mitigation strategies and actions are appropriate and relevant. At a minimum, this County DRP will be reviewed and updated by County staff every five years, depending on the availability of funding. The County DRP may also be revisited after major droughts, water shortage events, changes in GSA status, as well as when new data, strategies, policies, or requests from the Task Force arise. The County OES is responsible for initiating and coordinating any County DRP updates.

Updates to the County DRP may include: (1) reviewing the risk assessment findings in light of new and improved information that characterizes water supply vulnerability, (2) evaluating progress on short- term response action and long-term mitigation strategy and action implementation, (3) updating any communications and outreach materials and information, (4) updating Task Force details, and (5) revising the County DRP content to incorporate any changes.

6.4 Funding Opportunities and Assistance Programs
County DRP implementation could involve a variety of activities both for County staff and for community partners including plan administration, management, and updates; submitting funding applications and administering agreements; outreach and communications; coordination with other agencies and entities; Task Force engagement; managing assistance programs; development and construction of infrastructure and associated operations; and other efforts. Those activities require funding —both short-term for projects with a finite schedule and long-term for ongoing activities. As SB 552 does not provide funding for implementation activities, this County DRP analyzed local, State, and federal funding sources available to implement the plan.

A combination of funding and support sources could be used to support County DRP implementation with various agencies and entities involved in securing and administering each source. These might include grants, loans, agency staff time, services provided by others (e.g., in -kind work, technical or training assistance through a State or federal agency). The availability of these internal and external funding sources will impact the success and timeliness of the County DRP implementation.

Tracking and applying for grants or other funding sources to implement short-term response actions or long-term mitigation strategies and actions typically require additional staff time and resources that may not always be available. County OES staff are currently identifying, tracking, analyzing, and applying for potential grant opportunities. However, additional support and resources could be beneficial to help secure adequate funding to implement the short-term response actions or long-term mitigation strategies and actions.

Domestic well, state small water system, and domestic surface water user communities are also limited in their ability to access reliable funding due to limited staff, reserves, and flexibility. They may find that it is cost- and resource -prohibitive to implement drought or water shortage solutions by themselves, that solutions frequently require participation or involvement of other entities, and that it is challenging to prepare for, navigate, apply for, and administer the various local, State, and federal funding mechanisms that could be available at any given time. These system owners/operators may need assistance. Note that the County does not have the authority to require domestic well, state small water system, or domestic surface water user communities to implement any actions to enhance their resilience.

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6 Implementation Considerations
Table 6-5 provides a compilation of funding opportunities and assistance programs that may be available to assist in the implementation of the short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions identified for the County, as listed in Section 4.2, "San Benito County Short -Term Response Actions" and Section 5.2, "San Benito County Long -Term Mitigation Strategies and Actions." Table 6-5 may be used as a basis for developing future funding strategies, but it is neither a complete list nor an exhaustive one. Additionally, as available funding sources are constantly changing, funding needs, timing, and potential opportunities must be evaluated and balanced prior to commitment to implementation.

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6 Implementation Considerations
Table 6-5. Funding Opportunities and Assistance Programs for Drought Resilience Plan Implementation Agency
Program
Description
County
General Fund
The County General Fund is primarily supported by discretionary revenues such as sales and property taxes. Allocation of these funds is subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors, allowing flexibility to support a range of County priorities and services.

California State
Library
California Grants Portal
( https://www.grants.ca.gov/)
Searchable webpage with information on State funding opportunities (input and updated by State administering agencies and departments). Grants Portal hosts State funding opportunities offered on a competitive or first -come basis (other types of grants are not listed).

State Water Board
County wide and Regional Funding
Programs (SAFER)
( https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/saf
er/funding_solicitation. html)
Grant funding to implement regional programs that address drought -related and/or contamination issues for domestic wells and state small water systems serving DACs and low-income households.

State Water Board
Small Community Funding Program
( https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/wa
ter issues/programs/grants Loans/su
stainable water solutions/)
Funding and assistance to help DACs providing drinking water service to less than 10,000 people and having a median household income of less than 80% of the statewide median household income with technical assistance needs, interim water supplies, and implement eligible drinking water capital improvement projects.

State Water Board
Domestic Water Wells and State
Smalls Program
( https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/wa
ter issues/programs/grants loans/dri
nking water well.html)
Assistance to disadvantaged individuals or households served by a domestic well or state small water systems with a water quality issue.

State Water Board
Drinking Water SRF
( https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/dri
nking water/certlic/drinkingwater/fu
ndingincentives. html)
Drinking Water SRF webpage specific to funding and incentives for consolidation and regionalization projects.

State Water Board
Financial Assistance Funding: Grants
and Loans Website
( https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/wa
ter issues/programs/grants_Ioans/)
Information on grant and loan programs (State Water Board and other agencies).

California DWR
Technical Assistance
( https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-
Us/Technical-Assistance)
Technical guidance and assistance resources to local and regional organizations through 4 regional offices.

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6 Implementation Considerations
Agency
Program
Description
California
Department of
Water Resources
Grants and Loans
( https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-
Us/Grants-And-Loans)
Information on grant and loan programs that support integrated watershed management activities addressing environmental stewardship, water supply reliability, flood risk, groundwater sustainability, drought, and more.

California Financing
Coordinating
Committee
California Financing Coordinating
Committee Funding Information
( https://www.cfcc.ca.gov/)
Information on grants, loans, and bond financing for infrastructure projects from 4 State agencies (State Water Board, DWR, CA Department of Housing and Community Development, CA Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank) and 2 federal agencies (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, USDA Rural Development) also has information on and links to the California Rural Water Association and Rual Community Assistance Corporation and tabs for funding fairs, infrastructure funding programs, and additional funding programs.

California Governor's
Office of Land Use
and Climate
Innovation
Integrated Climate Adaptation and
Resiliency Program
( https://lci.ca.gov/climate/icarp/)
Information on planning and implementation of grant programs, technical assistance, and other resources to support planning for and adapting to climate change.

National Oceanic and
Atmospheric
Administration,
National
National Integrated
Drought Information
System
Funding Opportunities
( https://www.drought.gov/drought-
in-action/funding-opportunities)
Information on and links to funding offered by the National Integrated Drought Information System and its partners related to drought early warning research across sectors and fields including science, education, and technology. Webpage also includes links to other drought -related federal funding opportunities.

Federal Emergency
Management Agency
Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants
( https://www.fema.gov/grants/prepa
redness)
Funding for eligible long-term solutions that reduce the impact of disasters in the future. Information on many funding/assistance opportunities.

U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Rural
Development
Rural Utilities Service Water and
Environmental Programs: Water and
Environmental Grant and Loan
funding
( https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-
services/water-environmental-
programs)
Technical assistance, training, and financing to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems in rural communities (populations of 10,000 or less).

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6 Implementation Considerations
Agency
Program
Description
Emergency Community Water
U.S. Department of
Assistance Grants
Agriculture, Rural
( https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-
Funding to prepare for or recover from an emergency that threatens the availability of Development
services/water-environmental-
programs/emergency-community-
water-assistance-grants)
safe, reliable drinking water.

Water and Waste Disposal Loan and
U.S. Department of
Grant Program
Funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, Agriculture, Rural
( https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-
sanitary solid waste disposal, and stormwater drainage to households and businesses Development
services/water-environmental-
programs/water-waste-disposal-loan-
grant -program)
in eligible rural areas; for qualified applicants not otherwise able to obtain commercial credit on reasonable terms.

Key:

DAC = disadvantaged community
DWR = California Department of Water Resources
SAFER = Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience SRF = State Revolving Fund
San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
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6 Implementation Considerations
In analyzing potential funding sources, this County DRP identified the issues, topics, questions, and suggestions listed below:
• Administration and Coordination: County OES may serve as the lead coordinating agency for implementation. Additional support from other County departments and partner agencies (e.g., SBCWD, Environmental Health) will be needed to strengthen capacity and ensure cross -agency collaboration.
• Staffing and Capacity Needs: Dedicated staff are essential to track funding opportunities, manage applications, and administer awarded grants. This includes developing a funding strategy for short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions and identifying/securing resources to implement and periodically update that strategy. These costs may be covered through grant reimbursements, local cost -share agreements, or separate funding sources. SBCWD may also need additional capacity to track and monitor existing water resources beyond the GSA basin.
• Funding Constraints and Strategy: Many State and federal programs are competitive and income based. Given limited resources and competing priorities, successful pursuit of funding for short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions will require active engagement from cross -agency coordination and the Task Force to develop compelling proposals.
• Adaptability and Strategic Alignment: Short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions should remain flexible to account for climate variability, population shifts, and evolving grant criteria. Aligning projects with funding agency priorities and forming strategic partnerships will enhance competitiveness and long-term resilience.

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7 References

7. References
Barreau, T., D. Conway, K. Naught, R. Jackson, R. Kreutzer, A. Lockman, M. Sharon, R. Roisman, D. Rozell, S. Smorodinsky, D. Taofya, and A.J. Wilken. 2017. Physical, Mental, and Financial Impacts From Drought in Two California Counties, 2015. American Journal of Public Health 107(5):783-790.

Accessed May 10, 2024.

California Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2019. Statement of Findings Regarding the Approval of the Pajaro Valley Subbasin Alternative. Available: https://cawaterlibrary.net/wp- content/uploads/2024/07/PajaroValley_ALT2017_Determination.pdf. Accessed May 10, 2024. . 2023a. County Drought Resilience Guidebook. Available: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR- Website/Web-Pages/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/SB- 552/DWR_Final_Guidebook_20230313_ADA_508_v5.pdf. Accessed September 10, 2025. . 2023b. California Expedites Over $17 Million in Emergency Funding to Deliver Clean Drinking Water to Central Coast Communities. Available: https://water.ca.gov/News/News- Releases/2023/April-23/California-Expedites-Over-17-Million-in-Emergency-Funding-to-Deliver- Clean-Drinking-Water. Accessed September 4, 2024.
. 2024a. Water Shortage Vulnerability Tool. https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-And- Efficiency/SB-552/SB-552-Tool. Accessed May 10, 2024.
. 2024b. Water Shortage Vulnerability Technical Methods. Available:
https://data.ca.gov/dataset/water-shortage-vulnerability-technical-methods . Accessed August 1, 2025.
. 2025a. California's Groundwater Live: Groundwater Levels. Available:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/b3886b33b49c4fa8adf2ae8bdd8f16c3 . Accessed September 12, 2025.
. 2025b. Well Completion Reports. Available: https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater- Management/Wells/Well-Completion-Reports. Accessed: September 12, 2025. . 2025c. Grants and Loans. Available: https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans .

Accessed September 10, 2025.
. 2025d. Technical Assistance. Available: https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Technical- Assistance. Accessed September 10, 2025.

California Financing Coordinating Committee. 2025. California Financing Coordinating Committee Funding Information. Available: https://www.cfcc.ca.gov/ . Accessed September 10, 2025.

California Governor's Office of Land Use. 2025. Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program.

Available: https://Ici.ca.gov/climate/icarp/ . Accessed: September 10, 2025.

California State Library. 2025. California Grants Portal. Available: https://www.grants.ca.gov/ . Accessed September 10, 2025. Available: https://Ici.ca.gov/climate/icarp/ . Accessed September 10, 2025.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan

7 References
City of Hollister, City of Juan Bautista, San Benito County, San Benito County Water District (SBCWD), Sunnyslope County Water District. 2023. San Benito Urban Areas Water Supply and Treatment Master Plan. Available: https://sbcwd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SBUA-WST-Master- Plan-Update_Final_20231025.pdf. Accessed: May 10, 2024.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2023. Local Mitigation Planning Handbook. Available:
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_local-mitigation-planning- handbook_052023.pdf. Accessed May 10,2024.
. 2024. Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants. Available:
https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness . Accessed September 10, 2025.

Greene, Christina. Broadening Understandings of Drought: The Climate Vulnerability of Farmworkers and Rural Communities in California (USA) (Revised and Resubmitted, 2018). Environmental Science & Policy. Accessed May 3, 2024.

Langridge, Ruth. 2018. Central Coast Summary Report. California's Fourth Climate Change Assessment.

University of California, Santa Cruz. Publication number: SUM-CCCA4-2018-006. Accessed May 3, 2024.

National Drought Mitigation Center, U.S. Department Agriculture, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2024. US Drought Monitor (USDM). Available:
https://www.drought.gov/data-maps-tools/us-drought-monitor . Accessed August, 10, 2024.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Integrated Drought Information System. 2025. Funding Opportunities. Available: https://www.drought.gov/drought-in-action/funding- opportunities. Accessed September 10, 2025.

San Benito County. 2010. General Plan Background Materials and Historic Documents. Available:
https://www.sanbenitocountyca.gov/departments/resource-management-agency/building- planning/general-plan/2035-general-plan-background-materials-and-historical-documents.

Accessed May 3, 2024.
. 2015. 2035 General Plan. Available:
https://www.sanbenitocountyca.gov/departments/resource-management-agency/building- planning/general-plan. Accessed May 3, 2024.

San Benito County Water District (SBCWD). 2024. San Benito County Rainfall Data. Available:
https://sbcwd.ca.gov/rainfall-data/ . Accessed April 30, 2024. San Benito County Water District (SBCWD). 2025. The Accelerated Drought Response Project (ADRoP). Available:
https://sbcwd.ca.gov/accelerated-drought-response-project/ . Accessed September 10, 2025.

San Benito County Water District (SBCWD) and Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water). 2021.

North San Benito Groundwater Sustainability Plan. Available: https://sbcwd.ca.gov/wp- content/uploads/2021/11/PUBLICDRAFTNorthSan BenitoGSP_Final.pdf. Accessed April 30, 2024. . 2025. North San Benito Annual Groundwater Report 2024. March. Available:
https://sbcwd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2024-Annual-G roundwater- Report. pdf#:—:text=North%20County%20Project.%20Test%20wel is%20dri fled%20in,screened%2 San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan

7 References
Ointervals%2C%20and%20baseline%20conditions)%20are%2Ocurrently. Accessed September 10, 2025.

San Juan Bautista. 2025. Water & Wastewater Updates. Available: https://san-juan- bautista.ca.us/departments/water wastewater_updates.php. Accessed September 10, 2025.

State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board). 2020. Water Systems. Available:
https://sdwis.waterboards.ca.gov/PDWW/JSP/SearchDispatch?number=&name=&county=mont erey&WaterSystemType=Al I&WaterSystemStatus=A&SourceWaterType=Al I&action=Search+For +Water+Systems. Accessed September 10, 2025.
. 2023. County -wide and Regional Funding Programs. Available:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/safer/funding_solicitation.html . Accessed September 10, 2025.
. 2024. Domestic Water Wells and State Smalls Program. Available:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/drinking_ water_ well. ht ml. Accessed September 10, 2025.
. 2025a. Small Community Funding Program. Available:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/sustainable_water_solu tions/. Accessed September 10, 2025.
. 2025b. Funding and Incentives for Consolidation and Regionalization Projects. Available:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/fu ndingincentives.html.

Accessed September 10, 2025.
. 2025c. Financial Assistance Funding -Grants and Loans. Available:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/ . Accessed September 9, 2025.

U.S. Census Bureau. 2022. American Community Survey. Available:
https://data.census.gov/profile/San_Benito_County,_California?g=050XX000S06069 . Accessed April 30, 2024.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. n.d. Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants. Available:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/emergency- community-water-assistance-grants. Accessed September 10, 2025. . n.d. Rural Utilities Service Water and Environmental Programs: Water and Environmental Grant and Loan Funding. Available: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water- environmental-programs. Accessed September 10, 2025.
. n.d. Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs- services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program. Accessed September 10, 2025.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 2024. National Data Viewer.

Available: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/9a89ee80c604431e8f8d939a186fbdbb .

Accessed April 30, 2024.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan

7 References
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). 2025. B.F. Sisk Dam Safety of Dams Modification Project. Available: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/sod/projects/sisk/ . Accessed September 30, 2025.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan

Appendix A: Water Shortage Emergency Response Process

Appendix A: Water Shortage Emergency Response Process
Water Shortage Emergency Response Process
Appendix A outlines the Water Shortage Emergency Response Process, which is designed to help the County monitor water supply conditions that affect domestic wells and state small water systems. The purpose of this process is to identify actions appropriate for each stage of a water shortage, helping to mitigate potential impacts on these vulnerable water sources.

The emergency response process defines three stages of water shortage: Readiness, Warning, and Emergency. Table A-1 presents key indicators related to water supply conditions and activation considerations used to assess the current status. While the table provides examples of potential indicators and considerations, it is not exhaustive. The County may rely on additional indicators not listed in Table A-1.

To support each water shortage stage, the County has aligned specific actions and designated lead agencies, as shown in Table A-2. Further details on these actions can be found in Chapter 4 "Short -Term Response Actions" of the County Drought Resilience Plan. The County retains discretion to implement additional activities beyond those listed in Table A-2 and will determine the most appropriate strategies based on the nature of the shortage.

Table A-3 includes contact information for agencies that may be involved in the emergency response process.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
Appendix A-1

Appendix A: Water Shortage Emergency Response Process
Table A-1. Water Shortage Indicators and Activation Considerations in San Benito County Indicator
Name
Indicator Description
Warning Stage Indicators and Activation
Considerations
1=mergeny Stage Indicators ar d
Acttva on Consider Lions
U.S. Drought
Monitors
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a map updated
weekly that shows location and intensity of
drought across the country, and uses a 5-
category system, from Abnormally Dry (DO)
conditions to Exceptional Drought (D4). The
County can use this resource to understand the
prevalence and severity of drought within the
County and surrounding areas.

If U.S. Drought Monitor classification reaches
Severe Drought (D2) or worse within the
County, initiate Warning Stage review.

Combine with other indicators before
activation.

If classification reaches Extreme (D3) or
Exceptional (D4) drought, heighten
monitoring of all other indicators; the
County is to activate Emergency Stage only
if corroborated by supply or impact data.

An Extreme or Exceptional drought
classification may not solely indicate that a
water shortage emergency is occurring or
imminent.

Public Water
System
Shortage
Stage
Public water system is required to maintain a
Water Shortage Contingency Plan (or have one
within an Urban Water Management Plan) that
specifies stages of water shortage tied to
projected water supply shortfalls. The Drought
Stages that public water systems use may be a
proxy for overall drought conditions within the
County.

Public water system's water shortage stage
could alert the County to consider whether
the Warning Stage is warranted for domestic
wells, local small water systems, and state
small water systems. Public water systems
that use the same groundwater supplies are a
better direct proxy than those that rely on
different types of water supplies.

Water Shortage Contingency Plans include
an Emergency Stage that is only used when
water supply shortages are imminent. If a
public water system in the County is in an
Emergency Stage, especially if the system
uses the same groundwater supplies as
domestic wells, local small water systems,
or state small water systems, this should be
an Emergency Stage activation
consideration.

Water
Quality
Water quality data from water systems available
to the County could indicate water quality
issues. The presence of potential water quality
issues that may result in water supplies being
unusable can be used to establish a water
shortage stage. Note that other hazards such as
droughts or wildfires can exacerbate poor water
quality conditions and should also be considered
in combination with this indicator.

Indicators include water quality observations
that are noted as being of concern (for
unregulated chemicals or those without an
established water quality level) or measured
water quality that is outside of established
standards (maximum contaminant levels,
primary or secondary standards, etc.) without
a boil -water notice or other intervention
limiting use in place will initiate Warning
Stage review.

Observed water quality that is outside
public health standards (maximum
contaminant levels, primary or secondary
standards, etc.) and/or a boil -water notice
or intervention limiting use is in place will
activate the Emergency Stage.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
Appendix A-2

Appendix A: Water Shortage Emergency Response Process
Indicator
Name
Indicator Description
Warning Stage Indicators and Activation
Considerations
Emergent' Stage Indicators ar d
ctiyton Coniderations
Applications
for
Replacement
Well Permits
Water quality data from water systems available
to the County could indicate water quality
issues. The presence of potential water quality
issues that may result in water supplies being
unusable can be used to establish a water
shortage stage. Note that other hazards such as
droughts or wildfires can exacerbate poor water
quality conditions and should also be considered
in combination with this indicator.

If the County is in a drought condition (U.S.

Drought Monitor, Public Water System, or
others) and there is an increase in
replacement well permit applications, then
the County should evaluate if the new
applications are due to water shortages for
domestic wells, local small water systems,
and state small water systems and initiate
Warning Stage.

If after evaluating the dry well reports, the
County finds that the features of the dry
well (e.g., depth, age) are consistent with
other wells in the area, that may indicate
the potential for widespread water
shortages; consider Emergency Stage
activation
Dry Well
Reports
California has a dry well reporting system that
well owners or operators can use to report a dry
well. The County can use this to help identify
where a water shortage is occurring.

Any dry well reports submitted within the
County should activate evaluation of the
cause of the water shortage to determine if
the cause is due to an isolated issue (e.g.,
very shallow well, aging infrastructure, etc.)
and if the cause was exacerbated by drought.

If consistent with area -wide well
characteristics and drought impacts, initiate
Warning Stage.

If after evaluating the dry well reports, the
County finds that the features of the dry
well (e.g., depth, age) are consistent with
other wells in the area, that may indicate
the potential for widespread water
shortages; consider Emergency Stage
activation
GSA
Monitoring
GSAs in SGMA priority basins are required to do
regular monitoring (typically in October and
April) of groundwater conditions as part of their
reporting. The County can use data from these
monitoring programs, if available to the County,
to inform a water shortage stage.

If monitoring or analysis by a GSA indicates a
decline in groundwater levels below an
established threshold (such as a MT or
Measurable Objective, as defined in the
associated GSP) that could cause water
supply issues, then initiate Warning Stage
review.

Consider Emergency Stage if monitoring or
analysis by a GSA that results in the GSA
implementing response actions to avoid
water shortages, and domestic wells, local
small water systems, or state small water
systems supplies could be impacted in that
area.

Non -Drought
Hazards
Other hazards that could result in a water
shortage include wildfires, earthquakes, floods,
and power outages (either planned or
unplanned), and the County should monitor
conditions following a hazard event. Water
su I im acts of some of these hazards can be
pp y p
worsened by drought conditions, and such
events can also influence other indicators such
as water quality.

Initiate Warning Stage review if hazards
temporarily interrupt domestic well, local
small water system, or state small water
system supplies up to 2 da
pp for days.

Activate Emergency Stage if hazards
interrupt domestic well, local small water
system, or state small water system
supplies for an extended period (3 or more
days),
Y ), including public safety power
shutoffs.

San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
Appendix A-3

Appendix A: Water Shortage Emergency Response Process
Source: National Drought Mitigation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2024.

Key:

GSA = Groundwater Sustainability Agency
GSP = Groundwater Sustainability Plan
MT = Minimum Threshold
NGO = Non -Governmental Organization
SGMA = Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
U.S. Drought Monitor = United States Drought Monitor
San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
Appendix A-4

Appendix A: Water Shortage Emergency Response Process
Table A-2. Water Shortage Emergency Response Process
Water
Shortage
Stage
Description
San Benito County Actionsl
Lead Agency
Readiness
No major drought or
potential water shortage
Annual Drought Task Force Meeting to discuss County DRP Implementation and review water supply health
OES
Proactive long-term mitigation strategy communications and outreach

OES, SBCWD
Conduct annual water supply assessment
SBCWD
Annual website update
OES
Warning
Drought or other hazard
occurring could cause a
water shortage
As -needed Drought Task Force Meeting
OES
Conduct outreach related to voluntary water conservation strategies SBCWD
Conduct outreach to share available resources for water shortage mitigation SBCWD
As needed, coordinate with relevant organizations: SBCWD, water districts, other County departments, NGOs
County OES
Em"urgency
Water shortage s
ocurrtgcr rsmrmnrt
Initiate Drought Task Force Meeting
County OES
Activate Emergency and Interim Drinking Water Distribution Process for area(s) experiencing water shortage
Couty OES
Notes:
1 Not all short-term response actions identified by the County are explicitly listed in this table as some may be grouped together. All short-term response actions are described in the San Benito County Drought Resilience Plan Chapter 4.

Key:

NGO = Non -Government Organization
OES = San Benito County Office of Emergency Services
SBCWD = San Benito County Water District
San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
Appendix A-5

Appendix A: Water Shortage Emergency Response Process
Table A-3. Contact Information for Agencies Involved in the Emergency Response Process Agency
Name/Role
Contact Information
Office of Emergency
Services
Kris Mangano, Emergency
Services Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (831) 6364168
San Benito County
Water District
Dana Jacobson, General Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (831) 637-8218
Hollister Fire
Department
Charlie Bedolla, Fire Marshall
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (831) 636-4300
Sheriff's Office
Sheriff
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (831) 636-4080
San Benito County
Drought Resilience Plan
Appendix A-6

San Benito County Drought Resilience Plan
Administrative Final
qt
Prepared for:

San Benito County
Prepared by:

Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

February 25, 2026

ANtilENIDTIOmEUEE n
Appendix F
SBCWD Ordinance
No. 2015-04
San Benito Urban Area UWMP 2025

RESOLUTION NO. 2015-04

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

THE SAN BENITO COUNTY WATER DISTRICT

DECLARING A WATER SHORTAGE EMERGENCY AND

IMPLEMENTING THE DISTRICT'S WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLANS The San Benito County Water District Board of Directors does hereby resolve as follows:

PURSUANT to California Water Code Section 350 et seq., the Board of Directors has conducted duly noticed public hearings to establish the criteria under which a water shortage emergency may be declared.

WHEREAS,
The District is a water purveyor to the City of Hollister and the Sunnyslope County Water District for municipal purposes and to agricultural customers in San Benito County for irrigation purposes; and

WHEREAS,
Much of California experienced record dry conditions in January 2014 through January 2015, registering historic lows on the Northern Sierra, Upper Sacramento River and San Joaquin precipitation indices; and

WHEREAS,
The Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in him by the state Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, section 8625 of the California Government Code proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in the State of California due to current drought conditions; and

WHEREAS,
The District receives water from the Central Valley Project (CVP) as a federal contractor and it has been projected by the Bureau of Reclamation that south of the Delta contractors will receive a zero allocation for agricultural water users and Municipal and Industrial (M&I) customers will only receive 25% of historical allocations this year;

WHEREAS,
The demand for water service is not expected to lessen;

WHEREAS,
As stated in the Hollister Urban Area Water Management Plan 2010, when the combined total amount of water supply available to the District from all sources falls at or below the Stage II triggering levels, the District will declare a water 1

shortage emergency. The water supply would not be adequate to meet the ordinary demands and requirements of water consumers without depleting the District's water supply to the extent that there may be insufficient water for human consumption, sanitation, fire protection, and environmental requirements. These conditions are likely to exist until precipitation and inflow dramatically increases.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED by the Board of Directors of the San Benito County Water District that a water shortage emergency condition exists that threatens the adequacy of the water supply, until the water supply is deemed adequate. The Board of Directors hereby implements the following interim Water Shortage Contingency Plan.

1. Interim Overuse Policies Applicable to Agricultural and M&I San Felipe Customers (Contract and Small Parcel): Overuse of water will result in a reduction of water available to other users who are entitled to their allocation and will require that the District locate and purchase water on the open market to compensate for the overused water. If an Agricultural or M&I customer overuses their applicable water allocation, the District shall discontinue water service by closing the customer's valve. The customer will be billed their applicable water rate and power rate for usage in addition to a minimum regulatory conservation charge up to 52,000/Acre-Foot). This charge is not imposed upon a parcel as an incident of property ownership but is a regulatory charge on water users who choose to overuse water allocations. The charge is intended to recover the District's costs for locating and purchasing water in the open market to back -fill the District's supplies so that other District customers' allocations will not be impacted.

2. Changing Account Service Type: Customers will not be allowed to change account service type. However, the District has the discretion to authorize changing of account service type when such is deemed justified under the circumstances.

3. Transfer of Water from Agricultural Contract Customers to Agricultural Small Parcel Customers: Agricultural Contract customers will be allowed to transfer 2014-2015 rescheduled water and 2015-2016 water to small parcel customers. Transfers will only be allowed to agricultural small parcel customers with permanent crops (e.g. trees and vines) who meet either of the following criteria:
1) parcels are designated "high boron", 2) customer has no access to well water.

4. Voluntary Conservation: While the conditions at present warrant a Stage II action, the District is initially implementing a Stage I voluntary conservation action with a Demand Reduction Goal of 20 percent. As the District continues to

monitor the water supply and conditions, the Board may choose to modify the action level.

5. Miscellaneous: Any and all provisions of the Water User's Handbook that are in conflict with the provisions of this Resolution are hereby suspended during the term of this interim Resolution. This Resolution shall be reviewed periodically but not later than the first meeting in March, 2016, to determine whether a water shortage condition and emergency exists and whether the policies set forth herein should continue in effect. In the event a court of law determines that any provision of this Resolution is invalid, such determination shall not invalidate the remaining provisions of this Resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors shall periodically conduct proceedings to determine additional restrictions and regulations which may be necessary to safeguard the adequacy of the water supply for domestic, sanitation, fire protection, and environmental requirements.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President of the Board is authorized to sign this Resolution on behalf of this Board and District.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the San Benito County Water District this 1St day of April, 2015, by the following vote:

AYES: DIRECTORS: Tonascia, Flores, Tobias, Bettencourt 8s Huenemann NOES: DIRECTORS: None
ABSENT: DIRECTORS: None
ABSTAIN: DIRECTORS: None
/s/Joseph A. Tonascia
Joseph A. Tonascia
President
ATTEST: /s/Sara Singleton
Sara Singleton
Assistant Manager
3

ANtilENIDTIOmEUEE n
Appendix G
Water
Conservation Plan
San Benito Urban Area UWMP 2025

FLA

DUPLICATE OF ORIGINAL

ON FILE IN THE

OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK,

CITY OF HOLLISTER
ORDINANCE NO. 755

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
HOLLIsuR PROBHIBITING WATER WASTE
AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 752

OF THE QTY 'OF HOLLISTER
The City Council of the City of Hollister does ordain as follows:

Section 1: Definitions.
"Non -essential water use" is the indiscriminate or excessive dissipation of potable water which is unproductive or does not reasonably sustain economic benefits or life forms.
"Water waste" is the indiscriminate, unreasonable or excessive running or dissipation of potable water.

Section 2: Regulations. A11 water users shall immediately cease and desist from non -essential and wasteful use of water within the City. Non- essential and wasteful use of water includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) Indiscriminate or excessive water use which allows
excess water to run to waste.
(b) Individual washing of cars, buildings or exterior
surfaces without the use of a quick acting,, positive
shut-off nozzle.
(c) Use of potable water to irrigate turf, lawns, gardens or ornamental landscaping between 9:00 o'clock A.M.
and 5:00 o'clock P.M. by means of other than drip
irrigation or hand watering without quick acting,
positive shut off nozzle.
(d) Use of potable water to wash sidewalks or roadways
when sweeping provides a reasonable
alternative.
le) Water. waste caused by easily correctable leaks,
breaks or malfunctions after a reasonable time.

Exceptions may be made by the Director of Public
Services of the City of Hollister for corrections
which are not feasible or practical.
(f) Use of potable water for construction purposes,
such as consolidation of backfill, unless no other
source of water or method can be used.
(g) Restaurant water service unless upon request.
(h) Hydrant flushing except when required for public
health and safety.

Theregulations contained in this Section shall not apply to City water allocated to the Sunnyslope County Water District.

Section 3: Administration. The Director of Public Services of the City of Hollister shall be responsible for the implementation of this Ordinance.

The Director shall report to the City Council all factors whichaffect the im- plementation of this Ordinance and shall maintain a separate file of any re- quests for variances from the regulations set forth in this Ordinance. -1-

Ordinance No. 755

Section 4: Variances. The regulations set forth in this Ordinance may be modified in writing by the Director of Public Services on written request therefore without formal application or hearing when the modification is con- sistent with the City's water conservation goals and where the strict applica- tion of the regulations of this Ordinance would cause health or safety pro- blems or extreme hardship. In the event an application for modification is denied, the applicant may seek review by the City Council by filing a request for modification with the Clerk of the City of Hollister within ten (10) days of the date of written denial by the Director of Public Services.

Section 5: Violations. The Director of Public Services shall provide any water user who fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this Or- dinance with written notice of violation and an opportunity to correct such noncompliance. The notice of violation shall:
(a) Be posted at the site of the noncompliance or
delivered to the water user.
(b) State the time, date and place of violation.
(c) State the general description of the violation.
(d) State the means to correct the violati n.
(e) State the date by which correction is equired.
(f) A copy of the notice shall be mailed to the
address of the user.

In the event any water user shall fail or refuse to correct a violation within the time specified in the Notice, such refusal shall be referred to an appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation and prosecution.

Any water user violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months or by both such fine and imprisonment.

A water user shall be deemed to be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this Ordinance is com- mitted, continued or permitted.

Section 6: Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid or uncon- stitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or uncon- stitutionality shall not affect any other provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be severable. The City Council of the City of Hollister hereby declares that they would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, sub -section, sentence, clause, phrase, part or portions thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, sub -sections, sentences, clauses, phrases, parts or portions thereof, be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

Section 7: Ordinance No. 752 of the City of Hollister is hereby -repealed. •
• Section 8: • This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days from and after its ,final passage. Prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days from `thefinal passage hereof, the Clerk of the City of Hollister shall cause this 'Qrdinance to be published once in the Free Lance, a newspaper of general cir- :culation• in•:the City of Hollister.
' This Ordinance. was read and•introduced .on the 16th day of July, 1990, 'and:passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Hollister on. the 6th day of• August,. 1990, by the following vote:

AYES:

COuncilmembers Gonzalez, Hallberg, Eacover, Kuckenbaker, and Mayor Light.
-2-

Ordinance No. 755

NOES: Councilmembers None.

ABSENT Councilmembers None.

ABSTAINING: Councilmembers None(
L
May of the City of Hollister
ATTEST:
erk of tt/City of Ho ister
-3-

SUNNYSLOPE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT
3418 AIRUNE HIGHWAY
11JndorBilq-�TER. CA 95023.9702
ORDINANCE NO. 45
1 ' AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE

SUNNYSLOPE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT DECLARING A WATER
.SUPPLY EMERGENCY PROHIBITING WATER WASTE AND
DF.hi -4^ r.."7 -"ME ESTABLISHING WATER RATIONING RULES NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Directors of the Sunnyslope County Water District as follows:

SECTION I

PURPOSE, FINDINGS, AND AUTHORITY
A. Statement of Purpose and Findings: The Sunnyslope County Water District enacts this ordinance to restrict water waste and unnecessary use of water by reason of a present urgency situation caused by drought and threatened water supply shortage. The overall objective is to reduce water usage by 20% district wide.

B. Authority: This ordinance is enacted pursuant to the provisions of Section 31,026, et seq. of the California Water Code, which authorizes county water districts to restrict the use of water during any emergency caused by drought or other threatened or existing water shortages and to prohibit the wastage of district water or the use of district water during such periods.

C. Findings:
(1) The lack of rain for the previous three years together with an abnormally low water table has created a water shortage in the Sunnyslope County Water District. A water table study has been performed by the district and is available at the district office.
(2) Greater per capita water consumption increases the entire district's vulnerability to a severe drought.
(3) Water hook-ups and water consumption has steadily increased over the previous three drought years and continues to increase into the present potential drought year. Water district records indicate that from July, 1985 to June, 1989, water connections have increased by 34%. (4) Water conservation has proven to be a successful mechanism to reduce water consumption. Conservation efforts will provide an interim water supply, reduce drought vulnerability, reduce sewer flows, and ease the impact of the previous drought years, all of which is required to meet the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Sunnyslope County Water District.

SECTION II

DEFINITIONS
A. Definition of Water Waste: 'Water waste' is deemed to be the indiscriminate, unreasonable, or excessive running or dissipation of potable water. Water waste is prohibited by the terms of this ordinance.

B. Definition of Non -essential Water Use: "Non -essential water use" is the indiscriminate or excessive dissipation of potable water which is unproductive or does not reasonably sustain economic benefits or life forms given the present shortage of potable water. Non -essential water use is prohibited by the terms of this ordinance.

SECTION III

RESTRICTIONS ON WATER WASTE
A. Prohibition: A11 residential and non-residential customers including individuals, commercial enterprises, and governmental entities receiving water from the Sunnyslope County Water District shall cease and desist from wasteful and non -essential uses of water within the district boundaries. The district shall impose and enforce mandatory prohibitions

-1-

against water waste. Water waste and non -essential uses shall include those uses defined in Section II -A and B above and shall further include the following:
(1) Indiscriminate or excessive .water use which allows excess to run to waste.
(2) Individual washing of cars, buildings, or exterior surfaces without use of quick acting, positive shut-off nozzles. (3) Use of potable water to irrigate turf, lawns, gardens, or ornamental landscaping between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by means other than drip irrigation or hand watering without quick acting, positive shut-off nozzles.
(4) Use of potable water to wash sidewalks or roadways where airblowers or sweeping provides a reasonable alternative. (5) Water waste caused by easily correctable leaks, breaks, or malfunctions after a reasonable time within which to correct. Exceptions may be made by the Sunnyslope County Water District Manager for corrections which are not feasible or practical.
(6) Operation of decorative fountains even if they use a re- circulating system.
(7) Use of water for construction purposes, such as consolidation of backfill unless no other source of water or method can be used. (8) Restaurant water service unless upon request.
(9) Hydrant flushing except where required for public health and safety.
(10) Refilling existing private pools except to maintain water levels.

B. The prohibitions contained herein shall not apply to the district water allocated to the City of Hollister.

SECTION IV

ADMINISTRATION
A. Implementation: The district's manager shall be charged with implementation of this ordinance. The manager shallreport to the board all factors which affect the implementation of this ordinance and shall maintain a separate file of any requests for variances from the prohibition set forth in this ordinance.

B. Alternative If Purpose of Ordinance is Not Met: In the event that the rationing measures set forth in this ordinance are not sufficient to meet the district's overall intent of reducing water usage by 20%, the district shall consider the adoption of a mandatory water rationing ordinance. Such ordinance which shall impose a use/penalty fee upon the water user,, calculated at the rate of ($.30 per gallon), and shall apply to all water users who use water in excess of the maximum ration set forth in said succeeding ordinance.

SECTION V

VIOLATIONS
A. Notice of Violation: Should any individual or entity fail or refuse to comply with the provisions of this ordinance, the district's manager or his agent shall provide that person or entity with written notice of the violation and an opportunity to correct the noncompliance. This notice shall be in writing and shall:
(1) Be posted at the site of the noncompliance.
(2) State the time, date, and place of violation.
(3) State a general description of the violation.
(4) State the means to correct the violation. Page 555 of 1108 -2-

(5) State a date by which correction is required.
(6) A copy of the written notice shall further be mailed to the site of the violation.

B. Should an individual or entity fail or refuse to correct the violation within the time specified in the written notice, said refusal shall be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for prosecution as a misdemeanor, which shall be punished by being imprisoned in the county jail for not more than 30 days or by a fine of not more than $600.00 or by both such fine and imprisonment. The district shall be entitled to pursue any other remedy available at law or equity to abate the nuisance.

SECTION VI

RATIONING VARIANCE
The prohibition set forth in this ordinance may be modified in writing by the district manager upon written request without formal application or hearing when the modification is consistent with the district rationing and water conservation goals and where the strict application of the requirements of this ordinance would cause health or safety problems or cause extreme hardship. In the event that a variance applicant is not satisfied with the decision of the district manager, the applicant may seek further relief before the district board of directors by filing a request for a variance within ten days from the date of receiving the decision from the district's general manager.

SECTION VII

TERMINATION OF WATER USE RESTRICTIONS
The provisions of this ordinance declaring a water supply emergency and imposing present water use restrictions shall have no force and effect on or after February 14, 1991, except, however, that this date may be extended from time to time by resolution of the board of directors upon findings that the present water supply emergency has not ended.

SECTION VIII

INVALIDITY
Should any provision of this ordinance be found by a court of law to be unconstitutional, unlawful, or invalid, such court decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this ordinance.

SECTION. IX

PUBLICATION
This ordinance shall be published once in full in a newspaper of general circulation printed in the district within ten days after adoption.

SECTION X

URGENCY EFFECT
The provisions of this ordinance shall have urgency effect and shall become effective on 12:01 a.m. Feb. 14, 1990.

On motion of director Anderson , and seconded by director Hailstone , the foregoing ordinance is adopted this 13 day of February , 1990, by the following vote.

AYES: DIRECTORS: Nelson, Hailstone, Williams & Anderson NOES: DIRECTORS:

ABSENT: DIRECTORS: Churchill

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I, BRYAN YAMAOKA, Secretary to the Board of Directors of the Sunnyslope County Water District, hereby certify the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of an ordinance duly adopted this 13 day of February 1990.

Witness my hand and seal of the Board of Directors this 13 day of February , 1990.

BRY , Secretary

San Benito County Resolution 92-82. Water Conservation Plan • Provides guidelines to deal with water shortage conditions, including droughts. • Prohibits certain water uses categorized as wasteful and establishes mandatory conservation measures for wastewater usage.
• Requires the use of water -saving plumbing fixtures for all new construction and for existing structures, where replacements, additions or relocations of plumbing fixtures are proposed.
• Encourages the installation of dual distribution systems for irrigation and the use of reclaimed water to the maximum extent feasible.
• Recommends water -conserving measures applicable to agriculture, including irrigation audits, prescribed irrigation schedules etc. • Provides a detailed, water -efficient landscape plan applicable to all new and rehabilitated landscaping for public projects and private development, including golf courses. Developer -installed landscaping in residential projects is also subject to these provisions.

• 1 j
•
is
California
FINAL
Adopted by Board of Supervisors - July 7, 1992
Resolution 92-82

SAN BENITO COUNTY

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

BEFORE THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF SAN BENITO

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE )

FINAL SAN BENITO COUNTY )

WATER CONSERVATION PLAN )
RESOLUTION NO. 9 7 _ R 7
WHEREAS, On February 26, 1991, the Board passed and adopted Ordinance Number 594, "An Urgency Ordinance Requiring the Development of a Water Conservation Plan and Requiring the Issuance of Building Permit to Conform to the Water Conservation Principles";
WHEREAS, Section 3 of the ordinance provides for the preparation and adoption of a Preliminary Water Conservation Plan. The "San Benito County Preliminary Water Conservation Plan" was adopted by the Board on June 4, 1991; WHEREAS, Section 5 of the ordinance states: "Upon the completion of the county- wide hydrologic study, the board shall hold a public hearing to consider all relevant evidence on creating a Final Water Conservation Plan";
WHEREAS, The San Benito County Ground -Water Investigation was completed by the consultant Luhdorff and Scalanini in October, 1991; WHEREAS, California Government Code (Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of Article 10.8) requires that a copy of the adopted Final Plan be sent to the State by January 31, 1993;
WHEREAS, on July 7 , 1992, at a duly notice public hearing and considering the evidence presented at the hearing, the Board considered the content of the Final Water Conservation Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of the Co- unty of San Benito hereby adopts the Final San Benito County Water Conservation Plan.

Board of Supervisors Resolution Adopting Final Water Conservation Plan 1 PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Benito, State of California at the meeting of said board on the 7 r h day of .T„ i y , 1992, by the following vote.

AYES: SUPERVISORS: M.Graves,Kesler,C.Graves,Bowling,Scagliotti NOES: SUPERVISORS: None
ABSENT: SUPERVISORS: None
By:

Chair
San Benito County Board of Supervisors
ATTEST
JOHN R. HODGES, Clerk of the Board
Denise R. Thome, Deputy Clerk

APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM
San Benito County Couyfsei
By:

9.2 Date
7/7/7.2.

Board of -Supervisors Resolution Adopting Final Water Conservation Plan 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION
2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 2
SECTION 2 2

FINDINGS
2 SECTION 3 3
DEFINITION OF PERSON 3
SECTION 4 3
PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN USES 3
SECTION 5 3
LIMITS ON CERTAIN USES 3
SECTION 6 4
WATER SAVING DEVICES 4
SECTION 7 4
MANDATORY CONSERVATION MEASURES ON WATER WASTE 4
SECTION 8 5
RECLAIMED WATER 5
SECTION 9 6
AGRICULTURAL 6
SECTION 10 7
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE PLAN 7
I. INTRODUCTION 7
II. APPLICABILITY 7
III. PROVISIONS FOR NEW OR REHABILITATED LANDSCAPES 8
IV. PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING LANDSCAPES 13
V. PROJECT SUBMITTAL/DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES 14
VI. CERTIFICATION 16
SECTION 11 17
MANDATORY ENFORCEMENT 17
APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS 18
APPENDIX B: SAMPLE WATER CONSERVATION CONCEPT STATEMENT 21 APPENDIX C: SAMPLE CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION 22 APPENDIX D: EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS FOR MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WATER BUDGET AND ESTIMATED WATER USE 24
APPENDIX E: DERIVATION OF THE `ALLOWABLE PERCENTAGE 26
APPENDIX F: REFERENCE EVAPOTRANSPIRATION 27
Index 28

San Benito County
Final Water Conservation Plan
SECTION 1

PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This plan provides guidelines to deal with water shortage conditions which often exist within parts of California including the County of San Benito. This plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on July 7, 1992 (Resolution 82.82). This plan was adopted pursuant to Ordinance #594.

SECTION 2

FINDINGS
The Board of Supervisors finds, determines and declares as follows:
(a) San Benito County faces and has faced in recent years the tremendous pressure of residential growth.
(b) The demand for water service by water district and property owners is not expected to lessen.
(c) San Benito County relies extensively on groundwater for its water supply for all uses. Also, San Benito County received water from the federal water project known as the San Felipe Project. The San Felipe Project primarily supplies agriculture at the present time.: It is the Board's intent that all runoff be used to the maximum extent feasible to recharge groundwater resources.
(d) The supply of water in California, particularly in the County of San Benito, is in jeopardy due to the present drought. The drought has not only affected the replenishment of the ground water but affects the supplies available to the San Felipe project as evidenced by recent cutbacks in the proposed supply. (e) The County of San Benito is geographically in an area that is historically subject to periodic droughts of lengthy duration. Currently, we are in the fifth year of a devastating drought.
(f) For the foregoing reasons, the amount of water supply available to the County to serve the citizens is not and will not be adequate to meet the ordinary demands and requirements of water consumers without depleting the water supply of the County to the extent that there would be insufficient water for human consumption,

sanitation, fire protection and all other beneficial uses, and that these conditions are likely to continue to exist.

SECTION 3

DEFINITION OF PERSON
The following term is defined for the purpose of the plan:
(a) "Person" shall mean any individual person and any firm, partnership, corporation, business entity, district, agency, city, county and any other entity or organization.

SECTION 4

PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN USES
(a) No person shall waste water as used herein. The term "waste" means:

1. Use of potable water to irrigate grass, lawns, ground cover, shrubbery, crops, vegetation and trees between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. in such a manner as to result in runoff for more than five (5) minutes.

2. Use of potable water to wash sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, open ground or other hard surfaced areas by direct application where sweeping will accomplish the same results.

3. Allowing potable water to escape from breaks within the persons' plumbing system for an, unreasonable period of time after the break is discovered and reported.

4. Use of potable water for sewer system maintenance or fire protection training except as necessary.
5, Use of potable water for any purpose in excess of the amounts allocated below for each class of service.

SECTION 5

LIMITS ON CERTAIN USES
The following classes or uses are hereby created:

(a) "Single family residential" which consists of water service to land improved with structures designed to serve as a residence for a single family. (b) "Multiple family residential" which consists of water service to land improved with structures designed to serve as or residence for more than a single family. (C) "Non-residential" which consists of water service to land improved with structures designed to serve for other than residential uses. Commercial, recreational, charitable, agricultural and cultural uses are included within this class.

SECTION 6

WATER SAVING DEVICES
Any plumbing fixture in any existing structure which is replaced, added or moved must conform with the following criteria (all new construction shall adhere to these guidelines as well):
(a) Toilets must be ultra low flow toilets and use no more that 1.5 gallons of water per flush.
(b) Shower heads must use no more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute (ultra low flow shower heads).
(c) Kitchen and lavatory faucets must use no more than 2.0 gallons of water per minute. (d) Flushometer type toilets and urinals shall be of a design that does not exceed 2.0 gallons per flush.
(e) All faucets in residential sinks and lavatories shall be equipped with faucet aerators and shall be of a design that limits the maximum flow to two gallons per minute.

Water faucets for uses other than residential shall have aerators and limit the flow to a maximum of four gallons per minute and shall be equipped with automatic shut-off valves or be operated by front button or pedal valves.
(f) Fountains: No persons shall use water to operate or maintain levels in decorative fountains, unless such water is recycled in the fountain.

SECTION 7

MANDATORY CONSERVATION MEASURES ON WATER WASTE

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(a) Repair of plumbing, sprinkler and irrigation systems. Any person who is the owner, manager, or person responsible for the day-to-day operation of any premises shall take action to initiate steps to repair any leaking, broken or defective water pipes, faucets, plumbing fixtures, other water service appliances, sprinklers, watering or irrigation systems, or distribution systems within a reasonable time after such person first learns of such leaks, breaks, or defects, and shall thereafter diligently and promptly pursue such repair work to completion.
(b) Washing of vehicles. No person shall use a water hose to wash any car, truck, boat, trailer, bus, recreational vehicle, camper, aircraft, tractor, or any other vehicle, or any portion thereof, unless the hose is equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle. (c) Cleaning of Structures. No person shall use potable water through a hose to clean the exterior of any building or structure unless such hose is equipped with a shutoff nozzle.
(d) Cleaning of Surfaces. No person shall use potable water through a hose to clean any sidewalk, driveway, roadway, parking lot, or any other outdoor paved or hard surfaced area, except where necessary to protect public health or safety. The use of a bucket is not prohibited at any time for cleaning food, grease, oil, or other stains or spillage from surfaces.
(e) Water Spillage. No person shall cause, suffer, or permit water to spill into streets, curbs, or gutters. No person shall use any water in any manner which results in runoff beyond the immediate area of use.
(f) Swimming Pools and Spas. No person shall empty and refill a swimming pool except to prevent or repair structural damage or to comply with public health regulations.

SECTION 8

RECLAIMED WATER
As appropriate, the installation of reclaimed water irrigation systems (dual distribution systems) may be required to allow for the current and future use of reclaimed water.

Irrigation systems shall make use of reclaimed water unless a written exception has been granted by the local water agency, stating that the reclaimed water meeting standards is not available and will not be available in the future. The reclaimed water irrigation systems shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of local and state regulatory agencies.

California Administrative Code Title 22, Division 4 provides the statutory requirements for wastewater reclamation and the California Department of Health Services has developed "Guidelines for Use of Reclaimed Water." This water conservation plan hereby encourages the use of reclaimed water to the maximum extent feasible.

Reclaimed water means water which, as a result of treatment of domestic wastewater, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur.

Beneficial use of reclaimed water in San Benito County include, but are not limited to the following:
o Spray irrigation of crops, landscaping, and golf courses. o Surface irrigation of crops.
o Recreational impoundment.
o Landscape impoundment.
o Groundwater recharge.
o Construction purposes such as soil compaction and dust control. o Mining purposes such as dust control and mineral processing.

SECTION 9

AGRICULTURAL
In regards to a water conservation, plan, we would look to the farm bureau and Agricultural Commissioner and the agricultural community to offer recommendations for this section.

Agricultural water use is an important element of water conservation planning. The following should be considered by the agricultural community:

I. Irrigation audits can be designed to take into account a variety of crop evapotranspiration needs.

2. Crop tolerances to mineral and chemical concentrations in the soil and soil texture and quality must be taken into account when designing a water conservation program for agriculture.

3. Current irrigation water losses to deep percolation, runoff, and spray evaporation can be minimized with prescribed irrigation schedules.

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SECTION 10

WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE PLAN
I. INTRODUCTION
Landscapes are essential to the quality of life in California. They provide areas -for recre- ation and can enhance the environment. In addition, landscapes offer people respite and psychological benefits as well as cultural and social framework and character. With careful planning and maintenance, our landscapes can be safe. attractive, useful, and environmentally sound.

It is the intent of this Plan to promote the values and benefits of our landscapes while recognizing the need to invest water, an increasingly limited resource, and our other resources as efficiently as possible.

This Water Efficient Landscape Plan has been prepared in response to the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act, Assembly Bill 325, Statutes of 1990, Chapter 1145.

The purpose of this Plan is to establish a structure for designing, installing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes in new projects. Provisions for water management practices and water waste preventions for established landscapes are also included.

Some of the features included in the Plan are:
* Calculation of a water budget and estimated water use. * Appropriate plant selection and grouping in hydrozones. * The use of reclaimed water.
* Landscape meters, automatic controllers, and rain switches. * Design plans for landscape, irrigation, and grading including a water conservation concept statement.
* Monthly irrigation schedules.
* Schedules for ongoing maintenance.
* Water management practices and waste water prevention for existing landscapes. * Soil tests.
* Education about water efficient landscapes provided.

IL APPLICABILITY
This Plan applies to all new and rehabilitated landscaping for public projects and private development projects including golf courses. Developer -installed landscaping in single-family residence, duplex, and triplex projects is subject to the Plan.

Homeowner -provided landscaping at single family residence, duplex. and triplex lots is excluded.

HI. PROVISIONS FOR NEW OR REHABILITATED LANDSCAPES
All new and rehabilitated landscaping for projects listed above shall be subject to the following provisions.

A. Maximum Allowable Water Budget
For design purposes, a maximum allowable water budget is the upper limit of annual water use for the established landscaped area. It is based upon the area's average year climate and the size of the landscaped area. While this figure represents the maximum amount of water to be used on the landscaped area, designing a project to use less water is encouraged whenever possible.

The basic formula for calculating a project's maximum allowable water budget is:

MAWB
(ETo) (0.8) (LA) (0.62)
MAWB = Maximum Allowable Water Budget (gallons per year).

Eto = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year).

0.8 = Allowable Percentage.

LA = Landscaped Area (square feet).

0.62 = conversion factor (to gallons per square feet).

THE VARIABLES
Reference Evapotranspiration (Eto)
Evapotranspiration (ET) is the amount of water that evaporates from the soil and transpires from the plants. Reference evapotranspiration (Eto) is a standard measurement of a large field of four- to seven-inch tall, cool season grass that is well watered. The historical average (normal) Eto of Hollister can be found in Appendix F 0-8: The Allowable Percentage (AP)
The allowable percentage for this calculation is 0.8. it is a factor based on an average plant mix and an average irrigation efficiency. The allowable percentage adjusts the standard measurement of Reference Evapotranspiration to produce the maximum amount of water budgeted annually for the landscape. For more information about the derivation of the allowable percentage, see Appendix E.

Landscaped Area (LA)
The landscaped area is the entire parcel less the building pad, driveways, non -irrigated portions of parking lots, hardscapes- such as decks and patios, and other non -porous areas.

Conversion Factor (0.62)
To calculate the maximum allowable water budget in gallons per year, the conversion factor is 0.62.

To convert gallons per year to 100 -cubic -feet per year, another common billing unit for water, divide gallons per year by 748. (748 gallons = 100 cubic feet.)

EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS OF A MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WATER BUDGET SITE: Landscaped area of 50,000 square feet in Oakland, California.

MAWB = (ETo) (0.8) (LA) (0.62)
MAWB = (41 inches) (0-8) (50,000 square feet) (0.62)
Maximum Allowable Water Budget =1,016,800 gallons per year Portions of landscaped areas in public and private sites such as parks, golf courses, or school yards where turf provides a playing surface or serves other recreational purposes may require additional water. A statement to that effect shall be included with the landscape design plan, designating areas to be used for such purposes and the amount of water required.

B. Estimated Water Use
The estimated water use of a project is the amount of water for the year to be used for the established landscape based upon the area's average year climate, the size of the landscaped area, the mix of plants selected, and the efficiency of the irrigation system.

The estimated water use for a landscaped area is composed of the sum of the estimated water use of all hydrozones in that landscaped area. A hydrozone is a subarea of the landscaped area having similar water usethat is served by one valve or set of valves with the same settings. Here is a formula that can be used to estimate water use of a project:

EWU = (ETo) (KUIE) (LA) (.62)
EWU = Estimated Water Use (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
KI = Landscape coefficient
IE = Irrigation Efficiency
LA = Landscaped Area (square feet)

0.62 = conversion factor

THE VARIABLES
The Landscape Coefficient (KI)

b,. n

A landscape coefficient or aggregate plant factor is a factor used to modify ETo, based upon the estimated water use of a plant or group of plants. For purposes of this Plan, the landscape coefficient of low water using plants is 0.3, for average water using plants Is

0.5, and for high water using plants is 0.8. The landscape coefficient for cool season turf grass such as Kentucky bluegrass is 0.8. For warm season grasses such as bermuda, the landscape coefficient is 0.6.

Irrigation Efficiency (IE)
Irrigation efficiency is derived from estimates of equipment and design efficiency and management efficiency using the following formula:

IE = design efficiency x management efficiency
The minimum irrigation efficiency for purposes of this Plan is 0.65. Greater irrigation efficiency can be expected for large, flat, simply designed irrigation systems such as - athletic fields.

The other variables, ETo, LA, and 0.62 are the same as in the Maximum Allowable Water Budget calculation.

The formula for the estimated water use of the project is the same as the maximum allowable water budget formula, except the allowable percentage of 0.8 is replaced by the landscape coefficient and irrigation efficiency factors. Thus, the maximum allowable water budget represents the upper limit of annual water use for the landscaped area based on average plant mix and average irrigation efficiency. The estimated water use represents an estimate of how much water that landscaped area will need for the year based upon the specific mix of plants and the estimated efficiency of irrigation system used for that project.

C. Plant Selection and Grouping
Plants shall be selected appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the site.

Plants having similar water use shall be grouped together in distinct hydrozones.

As long as the above criteria are met, any plants can be used in the landscape, providing the estimated water use of the project does not exceed the maximum allowable water budget.

D. Fire Resistive Plants

The selection of fire resistive plants (low fuel volume plants) is especially important in fire prone areas of California. These are plants with less flammable parts: more leaf than wood and less woody undergrowth.

For more information, contact your local fire department or the nearest California Depart- ment of Forestry office listed in your telephone directory under State of California.

E. Soils
Soils shall be amended for improving water holding properties as noted in the soils report.

An organic mulch at least three inches deep shall be applied to all planting areas, except in turf or groundcover plantings.

F. Reclaimed Water
As appropriate, the installation of reclaimed water irrigation systems (dual distribution systems) shall be required to allow for the current and future use of reclaimed water.

Irrigation systems shall make use of reclaimed water unless a written exemption has been granted by the local water agency, stating that reclaimed water meeting all health standards is not available and will not be available in the foreseeable future. The reclaimed water irrigation systems shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of local and state regulatory agencies.

G. Irrigation Systems
When creating the irrigation design, the following criteria shall be followed:
1) Runoff and Overspray. Soil types and infiltration rate shall be considered when designing irrigation systems on slopes and level terrains. All irrigation systems shall be designed to avoid runoff, seepage, low head' drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non -irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures.

Proper irrigation equipment and schedules, including features such as repeat cycles, shall be used to closely match application rates to infiltration rates therefore minimizing runoff.

Special attention shall be given to avoid runoffon slopes greater than 10 percent and to avoid overspray in planting areas with a width less than ten feet, or in median strips.

No overhead spray irrigation systems that are subject to wind drift shall be installed in median strips less than ten feet wide.

Pane 11

2) Water Coverage and Uniformity. For the purpose of determining the maxi- mum allowable water budget, irrigation efficiency shall be assumed to be

0.65, Some projects will exceed this level of efficiency. When calculating the estimated water use of the project, irrigation efficiency shall be at least

0.65. 3) Equipment.

Meters. Separate landscape meters shall be installed for the irrigation system, except for single family homes.

Controllers. Automatic control systems are required for all projects and must be able to accommodate all aspects of the design.

Valves. Plants which require different amounts of water shall be irrigated by separate valves. If one valve is used for a given area, only plants -with similar water use shall be used in that area. Anti -drain (check) valves shall be installed in strategic points to minimize or prevent low -spot drainage, runoff, and subsequent erosion from low elevation sprinkler heads.

Sprinkler heads. Heads and emitters shall have consistent precipitation rates within each control valve circuit. Sprinkler heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, precipitation rate, operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of maintenance.

Miscellaneous Devices. All systems shall conform to local backflow and cross connection codes. Rain sensing override devices are required on all irrigation systems. Moisture sensing devices are encouraged where appropriate.

H. Water Features
Recirculating or reclaimed water shall be used for decorative water features. Functional water features (such as swimming pools) and decorative water features shall be shall be included in the landscaped area calculation and considered as a high water using hydrozone. Pool and spa covers are encouraged when appropriate.

I. Maintenance
Landscapes shall be carefully and competently maintained to ensure water efficiency and high quality appearance. A regular maintenance schedule shall include but not be limited to checking, adjusting, and repairing the irrigation equipment; resetting the automatic controller; aerating and dethatching turf areas: replenishing mulch; fertilizing; pruning, weeding, and removing litter in all landscaped areas.

J. Water Management
Water management practices at a minimum shall be in accordance with the State of California Landscape Water Management Program (Landscape Irrigation Audits.) Whenever possible, irrigation scheduling shall incorporate evapotranspiration data such as that from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CMS) weather stations to apply the appropriate levels of water for different climates. Landscape irrigation audits shall be conducted by certified landscape irrigation auditors at least once every five years.

Whenever possible, landscape irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 pm and 8:00 am to avoid irrigating during times of high wind or high temperature.

K. Public Education
1) Publications. Information shall be provided to all new, single family- residential home owners regarding the design and installation of water efficient landscapes. Information about the efficient use of water shall be provided to water users throughout the community.
2) Model Homes. At least one model home in each project subject to this Plan shall be used as a demonstration of the principles of water efficient landscapes described in this Plan. Signs shall be used to identify the model as an example of a water efficient landscape and featuring elements such as plant zones, irrigation equipment and others which contribute to the overall water efficient theme.

IV. PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING LANDSCAPES
These provisions apply to unincorporated San Benito County area water purveyors.

A. Water Management
All existing large, landscaped areas (one acre or more), including golf courses, green belts, common areas, multi -family housing, schools, businesses, parks, cemeteries, parks, and publicly owned landscapes shall be audited at least every five years. If the project's water bills indicate that they are using less than or equal to the maximum allowable water budget for that project site, an audit shall not be not required.

B. Water Waste Prevention
Wasteful runoff, seepage, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, non -irrigated areas, walks, roadways, or structures shall be prohibited.

V. PROJECT SUBMITTAL/DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES
Each project submittal requires the following elements:

A. Water conservation concept statement. •
B. Maximum allowable water budget calculation.

C. Landscape design plan, Including estimated water use calculation.

D. Irrigation design plan.

E. Irrigation schedules.

F. Maintenance schedules.

G. Landscape irrigation audit schedule.

H. Grading design plan.

I. Soil test
A. Water Conservation Concept Statement
A Water Conservation Concept Statement is a one -paged checklist and narrative summary of the entire project submittal package. See Appendix B for a suggested format for a water conservation concept statement. A copy of the Water Conservation Concept Statement shall be sent to the local water agency along with the Certificate of Substantial Completion.

B. Maximum Allowable Water Budget
For design purposes, the maximum allowable water budget is the upper limit of annual water use for the established landscaped area. See Provisions Section IIIA for more information.

C. Landscape Design Plan
The landscape design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets at a scale that shall accurately and clearly identify:
* Landscape materials, trees, shrubs, groundcover, turf, etc. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing, and quantities of each group of plants indicated. * Property lines and street names.
* Streets, driveways, walkways, and other paved areas.
* Pools, ponds, water features, fences, and retaining walls. * Existing and proposed buildings and structures including elevation if applicable. * Natural features including rock outcroppings, existing trees, shrubs, etc. that will remain.
* Tree staking, soil preparation details, and any other applicable planting and installation details.

* A calculation of the total landscaped area: including the entire parcel less the building pad, driveways, the non -irrigated portions of parking lots, hardscapes- such as decks and patios, and other non -porous areas.
* Designation of hydrozones: a subarea of the landscaped area having similar water use that is served by one valve or set of valves with the same settings. A hydrozone may be non -irrigated, for example a naturalized area. * A calculation of the estimated water use of the landscaped area. The estimated water use shall not exceed the maximum allowable water budget. See Provisions Section IllB for more information.

D. Irrigation Design Plan
The Irrigation design plan shall be drawn on project base Sheets. It should be separate from, but use the same format as, the landscape design plan. 1) The scale shall be the same as that used for the landscape design plan 2) The irrigation design plan shall accurately and clearly identify:

Location of separate landscape meters.
* Location, type, and size of all components of the irrigation system, including automatic controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, and backflow prevention devices.
* Static water pressure at the point of connection.
* Flow rate (gallons per minute), precipitation rates (inches per hour), and design operating pressure (psi) for each station.
* Reclaimed water irrigation systems as described in the Provisions Section I11F.
3) Irrigation systems shall be designed to be consistent with hydrozones.

E. Irrigation Schedules
An annual irrigation program with monthly irrigation schedules shall be required for the plant establishment period, for the established landscape, and for any temporarily irrigated areas.

The irrigation schedule shall include run time (in minutes per cycle) and frequency of irrigation for each station. The irrigation schedule shall provide the amount of irrigation water (in hundred cubic feet, gallons, or in whatever billing units the local water supplier uses) recommended on a monthly basis. The total amount of irrigation water recommended in the irrigation schedule for the established landscape shall not exceed the project's maximum allowable water budget.

F. Maintenance Schedule

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A schedule for ongoing maintenance shall be prepared, reflecting maintenance tasks including those listed in Provisions Section III 1.

G. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedules
Landscape irrigation audits, described in Provisions Section III J, shall be scheduled and conducted at least every five years.

H. Grading Design Plan
The grading design plan shall be drawn on project base sheets. It should be separate from but use the same format as the landscape design plan. The grading design plan shall indicate finished configurations and elevations of the landscaped area, including the height of graded slopes, pad elevations, and finish grade.

I. Soil Test
A soils report shall be prepared and submitted with the plans. As a minimum, the following shall be included:
1) Determine soil texture, indicating the percentage of organic matter. 2) Approximate soil infiltration rate (either measured or derived from soil tex- ture/infiltration rate tables.) A range of infiltration rates should be noted where appropriate.
3) Measure of Ph, and total soluble salts.
4) Recommendations for improving soil conditions to maximize water use efficiency.

A copy of the entire project submittal package shall be delivered to the owners site manager along with ;:the record drawings and any other information normally forwarded to the owner/site manager. A copy of the water conservation concept statement shall be sent to the local water district.

VI. CERTIFICATION
Upon completion of the installation of the landscaping and the irrigation system, an irrigation audit shall be conducted prior to the final field observation. A licensed landscape architect, designer, or contractor shall conduct a final field observation and shall provide a certificate of substantial completion which shall specifically include reference to the landscaping, automatic irrigation system and the irrigation audit, along with a punch list of any observed deficiencies to the Owner of Record. Certification shall be accomplished by completing the Certificate of Substantial Completion form in Appendix E and delivering it to the county and to the local water supplier.

SECTION 11

MANDATORY ENFORCEMENT
(a) The provisions of this plan shall be enforced by the Planning Director and Building Official or his or her designee. Building permits shall only be issued in compliance with this plan.

APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS
"allowable percentage": The allowable percentage for determining the maximum allowable water budget is 0.8. This represents a factor including consideration of an average landscape coefficient and irrigation efficiency. See page 10 for a more complete discussion.
"amendment": Additions to the soil, such as compost, leaf mold, peat moss, ground bark, which improve aeration and drainage of clay soils and help hold water in sandy soils.
"anti -drain valve": A valve located under a sprinkler head to hold water in the system so it does' not drain out of the lower elevation sprinkler heads. "application rate": The depth of water applied to a given area in one hour, usually measured in inches per hour.
"automatic. controller": A mechanical or solid state timer, capable of operating valve stations to set the days and length of time of a water application. "backllow prevention device": A safety device used to prevent pollution or contamination of the water supply due to the reverse flow of water from the irrigation system.
"distribution uniformity": A measure of how evenly water is applied over an area. (scientific: The ratio of the average low quarter depth of irrigation water infiltrated to the average depth of irrigation water infiltrated, expressed as a percent.) "emitter": Fittings that deliver water slowly through small openings from the lateral line to the plant.
"established landscape": The point at which plants in the landscape have established themselves into the adjacent soil.
"establishment period": For purposbs of this Plan, the first year after installing the plant in the landscape. The actual establishment period varies depending upon the plant species, the development of the plant's root system, soil conditions, and other environmental factors.
"estimated water use": The amount of water the designer estimates that the project will need on an annual basis. The estimated water use cannot exceed the maximum allowable water budget. See Provisions Section Ill B for a suggested formula and more information.
"evapotranspiration": The quantity of water evaporated from adjacent soil surfaces, transpired by plants, and retained in plant tissue during a specific time. "flow rate": The rate at which water flows through pipe fittings and valves. "fire resistive plants (low volume fuel plants)": Those with less flammable parts: more leaf than wood and less woody undergrowth.
"hydrozone": A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or set of valves with the same setting. A hydrozone may be non -irrigated, for example, a naturalized area.
"infiltration rate": The rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time in inches per hour. The infiltration rate changes with time during an -� irrigation.

Pane 18

"irrigation efficiency": The measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied.
"landscape coefficient": The functional equivalent of a crop coefficient in agriculture. When multiplied lames Eto, it estimates the amount of water required to maintain landscape plants in good condition.
"landscape irrigation audit": A process to perform site inspections, evaluate irrigation systems. and develop efficient irrigation schedules. "landscaped area": The entire parcel less the building pad, driveways, non -irrigated portions of parking lots, hardscapes such as decks and patios, and other non -porous areas.
"lateral line": The water delivery pipeline that supplies water to the emitters or sprinklers from the main line.
"main line": The pipeline that delivers water from the water source to the lateral lines.
"mature landscape": See "established landscape".
"maximum allowable water budget": For design purposes, the upper -limit of annual water use for the established landscaped area. It is based upon the area's average year climate and the size of the landscaped area.
"moisture sensing device": A device that measures the moisture condition of the soil in a variety of ways.
"mulch": Any material such as leaves, bark, or straw left loose and applied to the soil surface to prevent evaporation.
"operating pressure": The pressure at which a system of sprinklers operates. (Static pressure minus pressure losses.) This is usually indicated at the base or nozzle of a sprinkler.
"overspray": When sprinklers deliver water beyond the landscaped area, wetting pavements, walks, structures, or other non -landscaped areas. "percolation": The movement of water through the soil.
"potable water": Water which is meant for human consumption. "precipitation rate": The rate at which water is applied, usually expressed in inches per hour.
"pressure compensating bubbler": A sprinkler head useful for watering trees and shrubs with water basins: produces a reduced flow of water that bubbles on the soil. "quick coupling system": A sprinkler system which uses permanently installed valves and sprinklers that can be moved from valve to valve. "rain switch or rain shut off valve": Measures rainfall and automatically shuts off the irrigation system when water reaches a certain level. "reclaimed water": Treated or recycled water of a quality suitable for non - potable uses such as landscape irrigation; not intended for drinking. "record drawing": A set of reproducible drawings which show significant changes in the work made during construction and which are usually based on drawings marked up in the field and other data furnished by the contractor. "reference evapotranspiration (Eto)": A standard measurement of evapotranspiration for a large field of 4- to 7 inch tall, cool season grass that is well watered.

"run off": Water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied. Run Off occurs when water is applied at too great a rate or when there is a severe slope.
"soil texture": The classification of soil based on the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the soil.
"sprinkler head": A device which discharges water through a nozzle. "static water pressure": The pipeline or municipal water supply pressure when water Is not flowing.
"station": An area served by one valve or set of valves that operate simultaneously.
"turf": A surface layer of earth containing grass with its roots. "valve": A device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system. "water conservation concept statement": A one -paged checklist and narrative summary of the project. See Appendix D for a sample statement.

Paaa 20

APPENDIX B: SAMPLE WATER CONSERVATION CONCEPT STATEMENT Project Site:

Project Number:

Project Location:

Landscape Architect/Designer/Contractor:

Included in this project submittal package are:
(Check indicating completion)
A. A Maximum Allowable Water Budget
Reference ET (inches per year)
Landscaped Area (square feet)
Water Budget (gallons or cubic feet per year)
B. A Landscape Design Plan
Estimated Water Use (gallons or cubic feet per year)
C. An Irrigation Design Plan
D. Irrigation Schedules
E. A Maintenance Schedule
F. A Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedule
G. A Grading Design Plan
H. A Soil Test
Description of Project:

APPENDIX C: SAMPLE CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION Project Site: Project Number:

Project Location:.

Preliminary Project Documentation Submitted: (check indicating submittal) A. Maximum Allowable Water Budget
reference ET (inches per year)
landscaped area (square feet)
water budget (gallons or cubic feet per year)
B. Landscape Design Plan estimated water use (gallons or cubic feet per year)
C. Irrigation Design Plan
D. Irrigation Schedules
E. Maintenance Schedule
F. Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedule
G. Grading Design Plan
H. Soil Test
Post -installation Inspection: (Check indicating substantial compliance) A. Plants installed as specified
B. Soils amended as noted in soils report
C. Irrigation system installed as designed
dual distribution system for reclaimed water
minimal run off or overspray
Project submittal package and a copy of this certification has been provided to own- er/manager and local water agency
I/we certify that work has been installed in accordance with the contract documents.

Contractor Signature
Date State License Number
I/we certify that based upon periodic site observations, the work has been substantially completed in accordance with the Water Efficient Landscape Plan and that the landscape planting and irrigation installation conform with the approved plans and specifications.

Landscape Architect Signature
Date State License Number
Paae 22

(Certificate of Substantial Completion, continued)
I/we certify that I/we have received all of the contract documents and that it is our responsibility to see that the project is maintained in accordance with the contract documents.

Owner Signature Date

Panes 91

APPENDIX D: EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS FOR MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE

WATER BUDGET AND ESTIMATED WATER USE
These two examples are for the same project in Fresno, California. While the total amount oil water will vary from one place in the state to another, the proportions of high, average, and low water using plants, will remain the same. These examples demonstrate that the following plant combinations are allowed within the water budget. 20% high water using plants; 40% average; 40% low
30% high water using plants; 20% average; 50% low
MAWB=(Eto) (0.8) (LA) (0.62)
EWU=(Eto) (KUIE) (LA) (0.62)
MAWB=Maximum Allowable Water Budget (gallons per year)
Eto= Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)

0.8= Allowable Percentage
LA= Landscaped Area (square feet)

0.62=Conversion Factor (to gallons per square feet)
EWU=Estimated Water Use (gallons per year)
K1=Landscape Coefficient
IE=Irrigation Efficiency
PROJECT SITE ONE: Landscaped area of 50,000 square feet in Fresno California MAWB = (Eto) (.8) (LA) (.62)
= (51 inches) (.8) (50,000 square feet) (.62)
Maximum Allowable Water Budget=1,264,800 gallons per year EWU = (Eto) (KUIE) (LA) (.62)
Hydrozone 1 (H1) is 20% of LA with Kl .8(high water using plants) Hydrozone 2 (H2) is 40% of LA with Kl .5(average water using plants) Hydrozone 3 (H3) is 50% of LA with Kl .3(low water using plants) (H1) _ (51 inches) (.8/.65) (10,000 square feet) (.62) = 389,169 gal. (H2) = (51 inches) (.5/.65) (20,000 square feet) (.62) = 486,461 gal. (H3) = (51 inches) (.3/.65) (20,000 square feet) (.62) = 291,876 gal.

Estimated Water Use = (Hl)+(H2)+(H3) =1,167,506 gallons per year EWU of 1,167,506 is less than MAWB of 1,264,800

Dnne 7A

PROJECT SITE TWO: Landscaped area of 50,000 square feet in Fresno, California MAWB = (ETo) (.08) (LA) (.62)
(51 inches) (.8) (50,000 square feet) (.62)
Maximum Allowable Water Budget = 1,264,800 gallons per year EWU = (ETo) (KI/IE) (LA) (.62)
Hydrozone 1 (H1) is 30% of LA with KI.8(high water using plants) Hydrozone 2 (H2) is 20% of LA with KI.5(average water using plants) Hydrozone 3 (H3) is 50% of LA with Ki .3(low water using plants) (H1)= (51 inches) (.8/.65) (15,000 square feet) (.62) = 583,753 gal. (H2)= (51 inches) (.51.65) (10,000 square feet) (.62) = 243,230 gal. (H3)= (51 inches) (.3/.65) (25,000 square feet) (.62) = 364,846 gal.

Estimated Water Use = (H1)+(H2)+(H3) = 1,191,829 gallons per year EWU of 1,191,829 is less than MAWB of 1,264,800

Pane 95

APPENDIX E: DERIVATION OF THE ALLOWABLE PERCENTAGE
This allowable percentage is derived from the following formula:

AP (0.8) = average KI (0-5)
average IE (0-65)
The average landscape coefficient (average ICJ) is a functional equivalent of a crop coefficient for landscapes. When multiplied times Eto, ft estimates the amount of water required to maintain landscape plants in good condition. Since species and site conditions vary at a project location, a range of KI values will occur, representing high (0-8), average (0.5), and low (0.3) water requiring conditions.

When water requirements are averaged across a project, an average landscape coefficient results. For purposes of this formula, the value for the average 10 is 0.5. This represents a balance between high, moderate, and'low. water use conditions.

Average Irrigation Efficiency (average IE) is derived from estimates of equipment and design efficiency (0-8 to 0.85) and management efficiency (0.8 to 0.85) using the following formula:

IE = design efficiency x management efficiency
The average irrigation efficiency for purposes of this formula is 0.65.

Therefore, 0.5 (KI)/ 0.65 (IE) = 0.8 (AP)

APPENDIX F: REFERENCE EVAPOTRANSPIRATION
In inches (Historical data extrapolated from 12 -month normal year Eto maps and U.C.

Publication 21426)
County: San Benito
City: Hollister
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Ann. Eto

1.5 1.8 3.1 4.3 5.5 5.7 6.4 5.9 5.0 3.5 1.7 1.1 45.1
County: Monterey
City: King City
Jan

1.7 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Ann. Eto

2.0 3.4 4.4 4.4 5.6 6.1 6.7 6.5 5.2 2.2 1.3 49.6

Index
AGRICULTURAL, 6
Allowable Percentage, 8
allowable percentage, 18
amendment, 18
anti, 18
AP, 8
application rate, 18
automatic controller, 18
automatic shut-off valves, 4
backflow prevention device, 18
Building Official, 17
CERTIFICATION, 16
CIMIS, 13
Cleaning of Structures, 5
Cleaning of Surfaces, 5
Controllers, 12
Conversion Factor, 9
DEFINITIONS, 18
DERIVATION OF THE ALLOWABLE PERCENTAGE, 26
distribution uniformity, 18
drought, 2
emitter, 18
established landscape, 18
establishment period, 18
Estimated Water Use, 9, 18
ET, 8
Eto, 8
evapotranspiration, 18
EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS, 9, 24
faucet aerators, 4
Findings, 2
Fire Resistive Plants, 10, 18
Flushometer, 4
Fountains, 4
golf courses, 7, 13
Grading Design Plan, 16
Groundwater recharge, 6
Guidelines for Use of Reclaimed Water, 6
Hollister, 27
hydrozone, 18
IE, 9
infiltration rate, 18
Irrigation Design Plan, 15
irrigation efficiency, 19
Irrigation Schedules, 15
Irrigation Systems, 11
KI, 9
King City, 27
Kitchen and lavatory faucets, 4
LA, 8

Paae 28

landscape architect, 16
landscape coefficien, 19
Landscape Design Plan, 14
landscape irrigation audit, 19
Landscape Irrigation Audit Schedules, 16
landscaped area, 19
lateral line, 19
main line, 19
Maintenance, 12
Maintenance Schedule, 15
MANDATORY ENFORCEMENT, 17
mature landscape, 19
MAWB, 8
Maximum Allowable Water Budget, 8, 14
Meters, 12
Mining, 6
Miscellaneous Devices, 12
Model Homes, 13
moisture sensing device, 19
Monterey County, 27
mulch, 19
Multiple family residential, 4
Non-residential, 4
operating pressure, 19
Ordinance #594, 2
overspray, 19
percolation, 19
Person, 3
Ph, 16
Planning Director, 17
Plant Selection and Grouping, 10
potable water, 19
pressure compensating bubbler, 19
PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN USES, 3
project submittal requirements, 14
PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING LANDSCAPES,13
Public Education, 13
Publications, 13
quick coupling system, 19
rain switch or rain shut off valve, 19
RECLAIMED WATER, 5, 11, 19
record drawing, 19
reference evapotranspiration (Eto), 19, 27
Repair of plumbing, sprinkler and irrigation systems, 5 run off, 20
Runoff and Overspray, 11
SAMPLE CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION, 22
SAMPLE WATER CONSERVATION CONCEPT STATEMENT, 21
San Benito County, 27
Shower heads, 4.

Single family residential, 4
Soil Test, 16
soil texture, 20
Sprinkler heads, 12, 20

static water pressure, 20
station, 20
Swimming Pools and Spas, 5
Title 22, 6
Toilets, 4
turf, 20
U.C. Publication 21426, 27
valve, 20
Valves, 12
VARIABLES, 9
Washing of vehicles, 5
waste, 3
Wasteful runoff, 13
Water Conservation Concept Statement, 14
water conservation concept statement, 20
Water Coverage and Uniformity, 12
WATER EFFICIENTLANDSCAPE PLAN, 7
Water Features, 12
Water Management, 13
WATER SAVING DEVICES, 4
Water Spillage, 5
Water Waste Prevention, 13

Paae 30

This Page Intentionally Blank

....hiNteiENITOELIEE n
ra 2025
Appendix H
Retailer Water
Rates

IMEMZUMMUMMUMMUMMUNMEMMUNM ENNVAMMURVAMMUNM ENNMUMMURVAMMURVAMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUNMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUNM San Benito Urban Area UWMP 2025

Hollister, CA https://hollister.ca.gov/government/departtnenls/adtninislrativeservices/finance/utilitybilling.php Utility Billing
Friday, i May 2026 Mist 53 Er nst i Espanol
Water / Sewer Service
To Start Water & Sewer Service the City of Hollister requires:
• A Utility Start/Stop Form (link to form below)
• Utikily fikar("`1top Four) (Eric lir3h)_
• Lllilily blcurl(;tc>p Form (Spanish),
• A closing statement, mortgage statement, grant deed, or rental agreement • A government issued photo ID
• A $150 deposit (Master Card, Visa, Discover, cash, check, money order or cashier's check) All items must be received in our office before 3:OOpm for same day service or in advance of the day you are requesting services. We are unable to back date service requests. You can also leave an envelope with all of the items in our overnight drop box located directly in front of our office. Anything left in the overnight drop box will be processed the following business day.

Our office is located at 327 Fifth Street, our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm (Closed for Lunch hour 12pm - 1pm). Phone number 831.636.4301.

Current Water/ Wastewater (Sewer) Rate Information, as of January 1, 2018.

Meter Service Charge
Consumption Charge
Monthly Service
Meter Size / Charge No HFC Allocation
5/8" - $13.29 (Most Single Family Residential Dwellings have 5/8" meters) 3/4" - $13.29
1" - $28.16
1-1/2" - $52.68
2" - $78.95
3" - $155.53
4" - $232.13
6" - $461.93
8" - $713.61
Single Family Residential
$3.38 - 0 to 9 hcf
$5.54 - 10 to 15 hcf
$6.34 - over 15 hcf
All Other Classes
$4.39 for every hcf
Wastewater (Sewer) Rates
Customer Class
Fixed Charge
Qty Charge ($/hcf)
Single Family
Multi -Family
Mobile Home
Low Strength
$80.38
$70.07
$ 49.17
$ 46.23
$ 8.70
Moderate Strength
$ 95.74
$10.37
Schools
$1.73 (Monthly Rate per
Student)

I of 2 5/1/2026.9:23 AM

Hollister, CA https://hollister.ca.gov/government/departments/administrativeservices/finance/utilitybilling.php Septage Customers
$0.26 (Rate per Gallon)
Street Sweeping Rate
$2.40
To Stop Water or Sewer Service: Please complete the Start/Stop Water Service Form and return it to Finance Utility Payment Center for processing at 327 Fifth Street, email it to hohollisterbillingsghollistermagov, fax to 831.636.4369, or mail it to 327 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023.

Information
• VVotc r Stlutoft Forms
• Ironic o (is lac sconexion ciel Agua ` B998
Forms
Payments can be made online or over the phone by calling 833.208/230.

Online Utility Bill Payment
Click on the link above to pay your Utility Bill Online using Visa or MasterCard. (A $1.25 Processing Fee is charged by (ECH) Electronic Clearing House). Dog Licenses CANNOT be paid by using Utility Bill Pay Online. Currently Dog License Payments are NOT available online. Payments can also be made by phone at 1-833-208-7230.

2 of 2 5/1/2026.9:23 AM

Summary of Rates & Fees
Updated on September 24, 2025
Sunnyslope County Water District is committed to providing high -quality service at the lowest practical cost.

The schedules below replace prior water, wastewater, and capacity fee schedules to reflect the most recent Board -directed updates.

Water Rates (Effective FY 2025 — FY 2029)
On May 28, 2024, the Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors approved a multi -year schedule of water rate adjustments following the completion of a comprehensive Water and Wastewater Rate Study. The adopted schedule includes revised monthly service charges, private fire line charges, and volumetric consumption rates, effective beginning August 1, 2024, with annual updates through July 1, 2029. These changes were implemented to ensure that revenues are sufficient for fund operations, maintenance, and long- term capital improvements while meeting the District's financial reserve and debt coverage requirements.

Monthly Water Base Service Charges (by meter size):
5/8"
3/4"
1"
1 1/2"
2"
3"
$36.21
$36.21
$36.21
$65.91 _
$101.55
$214.43
$39.11
$39.11
$39.11
$71.19
$42.24
$45.62
$49.27
$42.24 $45.62
$49.27
$42.24 $45.62
$49.27
$76.89 $83.05 $89.70
$109.68 $118.46 $127.94 $138.18
$231.59 $250.12 $270.13 $291.75
4"
$380.77 $411.24 $444.14 $479.68 $518.06
6"
778.80 $841.11 $908.40 $981.08 $1,059.57
ff
,669.92 $1,803.52 $1,947.81 $2,103.64 $2,271.94
Private Fireline Base Charges (monthly):
1" S8.27 S8.94 $9.66 $10.44 $11.28
11/2 S11.62 S12.55 $13.56 $14.65 $15.83
2" S17.42 S18.82 $20.33 $21.96 $23.72
3"

38.21 41.27 $44.58 $48.15 $52.01
4"
6"
8"

74.07 202.77
424.76

80.00 $86.40 $93.32 $100.79
219.00 $236.52 $255.45 $275.89
458.75 $495.45 $535.09 $577.90
S:ABILLING - ACCOUNT TECHNICIANS\Rates & Fees

Volumetric Consumption Charges per hundred cubic feet (HCF):

SFR - Tier 1 (First 1,000 cu ft)
$3.77 $4.08 $4.41 $4.77 $5.16
SFR - Tier 2 (1,100-2,000 cu ft) $5.78 $6.25
SFR - Tier 3 (> 2,100 cu ft)
$6.99
$7.55
Non-SFR (all use) $5.09 $5.50
Note: One cubic foot of water is equivalent to approximately 7.48 gallons of water. So, CF is equivalent to approximately 748 gallons of water.
$6.75 $7.29 $7.88
$8.16
$8.82 $9.53
$5.94 $6.42 $6.94
o
500
400
300
200
100
I Impacts by Meter Size (FY 2025
Example Monthly Bi
Meter Size
5/8"° Meter
.,u.... 1°° Meter
t 2'° Meter
3°° Meter
1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000
Monthly Consumption (cubic feet)
Example Monthly Bi11 Impact Chart Explanation
This chart illustrates how a customer's monthly water bill changes with different levels of water consumption and meter sizes. It combines the fixed monthly service charge (based on meter size) with volumetric charges (based on usage) to show the total estimated bill. The purpose is to help customers understand how both their water use and meter size affect their overall monthly costs under the District's adopted rate structure.

S:ABILLING - ACCOUNT TECHNICIANS\Rates & Fees

Wastewater Rates (Effective FY 2025 — FY 2029)
The District charges residential sewer customers a monthly service charge plus a monthly volume charge based on average winter water consumption. Non-residential sewer customers are billed on actual metered water usage. These rates were approved by the Board of Directors on August 6, 2013 (Ordinance No. 74) and remain in effect. In drought years, the District caps the increase in average winter water usage in accordance with Ordinance No. 71 (effective May 3, 2012).

Wastewater Rates:

Single Family (flat per month)
$95.93 plus $5.64 per HCF
Multifamily (flat per unit per month)
Commercial & Industrial (per hcf)
Cottages, Motels, Trailer Parks, Laundries,
etc. (per hcf)
$72.98 per unit plus $5.64 per HCF*
S12.14 per HCF of metered water use
$9.20 per HCF of metered water use
HCF- Hundreds of Cubic Fee (based on metered water usage) Upcoming Wastewater Rate Changes
The Sunnyslope County Water District Board of Directors approved new wastewater rates on My 28, 2024 as part of the District's Water and Wastewater Rate Study. These changes simplify residential billing by moving to a flat monthly charge per dwelling unit and update non-residential volumetric rates. The new schedule is anticipated to take effect beginning January 1, 2026, following customer notification. Once implemented, customers will see wastewater charges reflect the updated structure while maintaining fairness and long-term financial stability for the District's operations and capital improvements.

Water Capacity Fees (Effective September 23, 2025)
On September 23, 2025, the Board of Directors approved updated Water Capacity Fee rates based on the Raftelis Capacity Fee Study dated August 25, 2025. The new schedule applies a Hybrid methodology using an Equivalent Meter (EM) basis of 305 gallons per day, resulting in a fee of $8,399 per EM. Meter -based fees were recalculated accordingly to provide fairness and proportionality between new and existing customers. These fees replace the prior capacity charge schedule (effective July 1, 2023) and align with the District's growth - pays -for -growth policy.

Water Capacity Fees:
5/8" S8,399
3/4 � S8, 399
1 1/2" S16,798
2"
3"
4"
26,877
58,793
105,827
S:ABILLING - ACCOUNT TECHNICIANS\Rates & Fees

Egrri�7alerzi Meter (LM) basis: 1 CM = 305 ;pd. The calculated fee is $S,399 per EM: ureter -based 7ppli/ accordiii;lii.

Sewer Capacity Fees (Effective July 1, 2020)
The water and sewer capacity charges (connection fees) were approved by the Board of Directors on August 6, 2013, by Ordinance No. 75. The current sewer capacity charges became effective July 1, 2020, and may be adjusted annually by the Board of Directors using the Engineering News Record (ENR) index. These charges have not changed since adoption.

Sewer Capacity Fees:

Single -Family Residential 521,125.00 $25.00 S21,150.00 Multi -Family Residential $15,850.00 per unit $25.00 each 2 -Family Unit $31,700.00 $50.00 S31,750.00
3 -Family Unit $47,550.00 $75.00 S47,625.00
Cottages, Motels, Trailer $TBD $TBD STBD
Parks, Laundries, etc.

Commercial and Industrial_m_m_m_m_m.._m$TBDm_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_mm_�TBD_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_m_..-_ _ STBDm_m_m_m_m_m_m
Miscellaneous Rates and Fees Effective February, 18 2015 The District also maintains a schedule of miscellaneous rates and fees, most recently updated and approved by the Board of Directors on February 18, 2015 (Resolution No. 536). These charges include customer deposits, penalties, and service -related fees that recover the cost of specific administrative or operational activities.

Examples include refundable deposits for new service accounts, late payment penalties, call -out charges for after-hours service, reconnection fees for accounts shut off due to non-payment, returned check/ACH fees, and property lien filing charges. These fees are designed to ensure that costs associated with individual customer actions are borne by those customers rather than by the District's general ratepayers.

Miscellaneous Rates and Fees:

Total Deposit
S 400.00
S 300.00
S 800.00
Water Deposit
S 125.00
S 125.00
Fire Hydrant Deposit
Sewer Customer of:

Sunnyslope
City of Hollister
Sewer Deposit
S 275.00
$ 175.00
Late Fee of 10.0% (basic one-time penalty), PLUS 0.5% continuing penalty on unpaid balance $ 175.00
Call -Out Fee: Charged when District staff is called out to turn water on or off after normal working hours.

S:\BILLING - ACCOUNT TECHNICIANS\ Rates & Fees

Reconnection Fee : Charged when water service is shut-off for non-payment and mus S 50.00 be paid before water service is restarted.

Returned Check (or ACH) Fee: Charged when a payment is returned by the bank as $ 30.00 uncollected for any reason.

Administrative Collection Fee: Charged when a shut-off notice (60 days past due) or $ 10.00 door hanger delivery is processed on a past due account.

Property Lien Filing Fee: Charged when the District files a lien for a balance due on a $ 50.00 delinquent account.
uestions?
For questions about rates, fees, or how they apply to your project or account, please contact Sunnyslope County Water District Billing Department at (831) 637-4670, or via email at billing@sunnyslopewater,org S: A BILLING - ACCOUNT TECHNICIANS\ Rates & Fees

SOLUTION NO. 2022- 38

A SOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA ACCEPTING A WATER ' • TE STUDY, PROPOSING A WATER ' • TE INC' ASE, SETTING THE

DATE AND TIME FOR A PUBLIC HEA' NG ON THE PROPOSED INC ' ASE, AND

DI CTING STAFF TO GIVE NOTICE OF THE PUBLIC HEA' NG PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XIII D, SECTION 6 OF THE CALIFO' IA CONSTITUTION WHE' AS, the City's wastewater treatment plant discharges its treated effluent under the strict guidance of a permit issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (the "NPDES Permit"); and
WHE' AS, the wastewater plant was not designed to meet the all of the requirements of the NPDES Permit; and
WHE AS, the plant has, for many years, discharged effluent with sodium, chloride, and total dissolved solids concentrations that exceed the concentrations allowed under the NPDES Permit; and
WHE', AS, dating back to before 2007, the City has been subject to ongoing fines for its ongoing violations of the NPDES Permit; and
WHE ' AS, in 2020, the City agreed to comply with the Administrative Order on Consent with the United States Environmental Protection Agency requiring that the City take certain steps to remedy its violations; and
WHE ' AS, in order to reduce the amount of sodium, chloride, and total dissolved solids concentrations in the water sourced for its water system, the City is committed to importing surface water from the San Benito County Water District ("SBCWD") to blend with the groundwater currently used in the City's drinking water; and WHE' AS, the City has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with SBCWD pursuant to which SBCWD has agreed to provide the City with treated surface water from SBCWD's West Hills Treatment Plant; and
WHE' AS, to transport this treated surface water to the City's water distribution system, a new water line from the San Benito County Water District West Hills Treatment Plant will be required; and
WHE' AS, the MOU requires that the City pay SBCWD for (i) the construction costs of the new water line and (ii) the ongoing costs associated with obtaining, treating and distributing the treated surface water that SBCWD provides to the City; and WHE AS, the costs of operating, maintaining, and improving the City's water system are funded by water rates collected from the City's water customers; and

WHE'.: AS, the existing rates are insufficient to fund the costs associated with accessing this new source of treated surface water and purchasing that water; and WHE AS, the City engaged Bartle Wells and Associates ("BWA") to determine the water rates that will be required to fund the City's water enterprise in light of the terms of the MOU and the capital and operational costs associated with the new source of treated surface water; and
WHE'. AS, BWA has produced its Water Rate Study, dated May 21, 2022, which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, available for public inspection, and incorporated herein by reference (the `BWA Study"); and
WHE' AS, the City is in the process of applying for federal and state grants and loans to defray a part of the costs of constructing the water line; and WHE AS, in order to qualify for state and federal assistance, the City must be able to demonstrate that it has sufficient financial resources (and water rate authority) to operate its drinking water system and to fund wastewater treatment; and WHE,' AS, the City Council desires to initiate proceedings to adopt the water rates described in the BWA Study; and
WHE', AS, a proposed rate table (the "Water Rate Study") is set forth in Attachment "A" to this Resolution, which is incorporated herein; and WHE.'. AS, Article XIII D, Section 6 of the California Constitution, which was adopted by the people as a part of Proposition 218, requires that the City Council hold a protest hearing before adopting increased water rates; and

NOW, THE' FO' BE IT ' SOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA NOW HE' `BY FINDS AND O' ! ERS:

1. That the recitals in this Resolution and the accompanying staff report are true and correct and are hereby made a part of this Resolution.

2. That the BWA Study is accepted.

3. That the water rates set forth in the BWA Study and the Rate Table are hereby proposed.

4. That 6:00 PM on July 19, 2022 in the City Council Chambers located at 311 Second Street, San Juan Batista, CA 95045 and virtually by web conference, is set at the time and place for a public hearing on the proposed rates (the "Public Hearing").

5. That at the Public Hearing the City Council will hear testimony from all interested persons regarding the proposed water rates.

6. That staff is directed to mail notice of the Public Hearing to water customers in the manner set forth in Section 53755(a)(1) of the California Government Code.

7. That staff is directed to accept written protests as set forth in Exhibit "B" to this Resolution, which is hereby approved and is attached hereto and incorporated herein.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of San Juan Bautista at a Special meeting held on the 24th day of May, 2022, by the following vote:

AYES: Jordan, Flores, Freeman
NOES: Edge, Freels
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:

Don R nc)lds, Acting Deputy City Clerk
Attachment: May 21, 2022 Water Rate Study
Guidelines for Acceptance and Tabulation of Protests

Attachment "A"
Proposed Water Rate Table
Y
rate
r
V
c
Table 1 shows a summary of proposed water rate recommendations.

Water R es
Table 1- Proposed Water Rates
FY 21-22 FY 23 FY 23-24 FY 24-25 FY 25-26 FY 26-27
E'xisti'ng Propoced
...,P oa o,ed Propo,,ed Proposed'
Volumetric R $/1000 gallons $6.35 $7.05 $8.04 $9.17 $9.63 $10.17 onthly Base Rate
$55.76 $'6"'5.91 $75.15 $85.68 $89.97 $94,47
A pass through is proposed for changes to the rates charged by SBC 1 for its services.

Attachment "B"
Guidelines for Acceptance and Tabulation of Protests
SECTION 1: Definitions.

Unless the context plainly indicates another meaning was intended, the following definitions shall apply in construction of these guidelines.

A. "Customer" means a person show on the City's records as being responsible for paying water charges.

B. "Parcel" means a County Assessor's parcel that receives water services and is subject to the proposed water charges.

C. "Parcel Owner" means an owner of a parcel, including a tenant of a parcel who is entitled to submit a protest pursuant to Section 53755 of the Government Code or is described in Article XIII D, Section 2(g) of the California Constitution.

D. "Record Owner" means the person or persons whose name or names appear on the County Assessor's last equalized assessment roll as the owner of a parcel.

SECTION 2: Protest Submittal.

A. Written protests against the proposed charge may be submitted to the City Clerk, by:
(i) Delivery to the Office of the City Clerk located at 311 Second Street, San Juan Batista, CA 95045 during published business hours; or
(ii) Mail to the City Clerk at the following address: City Clerk, City of San Juan Batista, PO Box 1420, San Juan Batista, CA 95045; or
(iii) Personally submitting the protest at the public hearing.

B. Protests, including those submitted by mail, must be received by the City no later than the close of the public testimony portion of the public hearing.

C. The City cannot accept protests via fax or email.

D. The City Council welcomes all interested persons to comment orally at the public hearing. However, unless accompanied by a written protest, oral comments at the public hearing do not qualify as a formal protest. Notwithstanding the forgoing; if, as a result of the COVID-19 emergency, the public is prohibited from attending the hearing in person and is required to participate remotely, the City Council will set aside a time prior to the close of the public testimony portion of the public hearing during which the City Clerk will accept an oral protest that will be treated as a written protest so long as all information (aside from signature) required of a written protest is provided orally.

SECTION 3: Protest Contents.

A. A written protest must include:
(i) A statement that it is a protest against the proposed increase to the water charges. (ii) The name of the Parcel Owner or Customer that is submitting the protest. (iii) Identification of assessor's parcel number, street address, or utility account number of the parcel or account with respect to which the protest is made.
(iv) Original signature and legibly printed name of the person submitting the protest.

B. If a protest is submitted in connection with a parcel by a Parcel Owner who is neither the Record Owner of the parcel nor the Customer shown on the City's records, then the person may attach evidence of ownership or tenancy to the written protest. In connection with tabulation and verification of protests, the City reserves the right to request such evidence of ownership or tenancy from any such person. Such evidence, if requested by the City via a letter mailed prior to the announcement of the tabulation results, must be submitted to the City within ten days of the date the request is mailed in order for the protest to be valid.

C. Except as provided in Section 2(D), written communications that do not include all of the elements set forth in the preceding paragraph will be treated as written comments on the proposal, but will not be counted as formal protests.

SECTION 5: Protest Withdrawal.

Any person who submits a protest may withdraw it by submitting to the City Clerk a written request that the protest be withdrawn. The withdrawal of a protest shall contain sufficient information to identify the affected parcel and the name of the person who submitted both the protest and the request that it be withdrawn.

SECTION +: Multiple Protests.

A. Each Parcel Owner or Customer may submit a protest.

B. For the Parcel -Based Count: Only one protest will be counted per parcel as provided by Government Code Section 53755(b).

C. For the Account -Based Count: Only one protest will be counted per account.

D. If a person submitting a protest is both a Parcel Owner (as defined in Section 1(C) of these guidelines) and a Customer, that person's protest will be counted as both a protest for their parcel and a protest for their account.

SECTION 7: Transparency, Confidentiality, and Disclosure.

A. Once a protest is opened during the tabulation, it becomes a disclosable public record, as required by state law and will be maintained in District files for two (2) years.

SECTION 8: Invalid Protests.

The City Clerk shall not accept as valid any protest if he or she determines that any of the following is true:

A. The protest does not state its opposition to the proposed charges.

B. The protest does not name a Parcel Owner or Customer of the parcel identified in the protest.

C. The protest does not identify a parcel or account served by the City that is subject to the proposed charge.

D. The protest does not bear an original signature of the Parcel Owner or Customer with respect to, the parcel identified on the protest. Whether a signature is valid shall be entrusted to the reasonable judgement of the City Clerk. A signature is not required for a protest submitted pursuant to Section 2(D).

E. The protest was altered in a way that raises a fair question as to whether the protest actually expresses the intent of a parcel owner or tenant to protest the charges.

F. The protest was not received by the City Clerk before the close of the public input portion of the public hearing on the proposed charges.

G. A request to withdraw the protest was received prior to the close of the public input portion of the public hearing on the proposed charges.

SECTION : City Clerk's Decisions Final.

The City Clerk's decision that a protest is not valid shall constitute a final action of the City and shall not be subject to any internal appeal.

SECTION 0: Majority Protest.

A majority protest exists if written protests are timely submitted and not withdrawn with respect to either (i) a majority (50% plus one) of the parcels or (ii) a majority (50% plus one) of the accounts subject to the proposed charge. The City Council will not adopt the proposed increase if there is a majority protest.

SECTION 1 Tabulation of Protests.

At the conclusion of the public hearing, the City Clerk shall tabulate all protests received, including those received during the public hearing, and shall report the result to the City Council.

If the number of protests received is manifestly insufficient to constitute a majority protest, the City Clerk may determine the absence of a majority protest without validating the protests received, but may instead deem them all valid without further examination.

SECTION 12: Report of Tabulation.

The City Clerk shall report the results of the tabulation to the City Council.

If at the conclusion of the public hearing, the City Clerk determines that he or she will require additional time to tabulate the protests, he or she shall so advise the City Council, which may adjourn the meeting to allow the tabulation to be completed on another day or days. If so, the City Clerk shall declare the time and place of tabulation, which shall be conducted in a place where interested members of the public may observe the tabulation, and the City Council shall declare the time at which the meeting shall be resumed to receive and act on the tabulation report of the City Clerk.

....hititeiENITIOELIEE n
Appendix
Public Outreach

IMEMZUMMUMMUMMUMMUNMEMMUNM ENNVAMMURVAMMUNM ENNMUMMURVAMMURVAMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUNMMUMMUMMUMMUMMUNM San Benito Urban Area UWMP 2025

WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATIO
Water Resources Association San Benito County (WRASBC)
30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, CA 95023
(831) 637-4378

LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION HARDWARE REBATE PROGRAM
Program Overview: WRASBC offers a rebate program to purchase new/replacement landscape irrigation hardware/equipment to reduce the amount of water waste. The program includes MP Rotators by Hunter Industries, and Hose Timers and/or Rain Sensors which are on the list provided by WRASBC. The goal is to water early in the morning to minimize evaporation, never water faster than the ground can absorb the water, and adjust sprinklers to avoid watering the sidewalks and driveways.

Eligibility: Eligible residents of San Benito County are those who have water service through the City of Hollister, City of San Juan Bautista, Sunnyslope Water District or reside in CSA 31 (Stonegate). Customers served by private wells are not eligible.

Rebate: The WRASBC offers a maximum of $100 rebate for materials purchased per household. This program provides a 50% rebate on your purchase price of hardware (excluding labor), up to a maximum of $100 rebate. This rebate applies only to purchases within the last six months. All rebate programs are subject to available funds.

How to Apply:

1. Complete Rebate Program Application. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

2. Attach copy of your current water bill

3. Call the WRASBC to schedule an on -site pre -inspection

4. After pre -inspection, purchase and install the pre -qualified hardware from the list provided by the WRASBC within 60 days of the pre -inspection

5. Call the WRASBC to schedule an on -site post -inspection to verify that hardware has been installed correctly. The WRASBC representative will also develop an irrigation schedule for you to follow Inspection(s): Pre -inspection: A pre -inspection is required to determine what hardware can be used for your landscape area and what items you are qualified to purchase from the WRASBC-approved list.

Post -inspection: After you have purchased and installed the hardware within 60 days of the pre - inspection, call WRASBC to schedule an on -site post -inspection to confirm that the hardware is installed.

Upon completion of all requirements of the rebate program, you will receive your rebate within 30-45 days

`UMMVERXIMMV, `%A

WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
IT T
Water Resources Association San Benito County (WRASBC)
30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, CA 95023
(831)637-4378

TOILET REBATE PROGRAM
Program Overview: WRASBC offers a rebate program to eliminate pre -1992, 3.5 — 7 gallons per flush toilets with new Low Flow 1.28 gallons per flush toilets. This rebate is for replacing toilets that were manufactured prior to 1992 which are date stamped into the porcelain either in the inside part of the lid on the tank, or on the sidewall inside the tank. Your toilet is NOT eligible if it says "1.6 gpf" behind the toilet seat where the manufacturer's logo is usually found Eligibility: Eligible residents of San Benito County are those who have water service through the City of Hollister, City of San Juan Bautista, Sunnyslope Water District or reside in CSA 31 (Stonegate). Customers served by private wells are not eligible.

Rebate: There are two types of rebates. (A) The WRASBC offers a free Low Flow Toilet in exchange for your old pre -1992 toilet. Participants have 45 days to return old toilet after receiving free one; or (B) you can apply for a $75 rebate if you choose to purchase your own toilet (an additional $10 will be paid if you return your old toilet to the WRASBC for recycling). These rebates are limited to the number of bathrooms in your household with pre -1992 toilets and cannot be used for a new house or bathroom addition. This rebate applies only to purchases within the last six months. All rebate programs are subject to available funds.

Instructions:

A. How to Apply for a Free Toilet:

1. Call to schedule an appointment to pick up a free toilet at the WRASBC

2. Complete Program Application (this form can be filled out at time of toilet pick up).

3. Your water account number and a picture ID need to be presented at time of pick up.

4. Return your old toilet for recycling and toilet age verification to WRASBC on Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 - 5:00 (closed noon to 1:00). If you cannot return the toilet, call the WRASBC and make arrangements to have the toilet picked up for recycling. If your old toilet does not meet the age verification pre -1992 requirement, you will be charged $125 for the toilet on your next water provider utility bill. Old toilet(s) must be returned within 45 days after the new toilet is picked up.

B. How to Apply for a $75 Toilet Rebate:

1. Complete Rebate Program Application (including a W-9 form). Incomplete applications will not be processed

2. Attach copy of your current water bill

3. Attach the original receipt of your toilet purchase(s). Original receipts will not be returned

4. Return your old toilet to WRASBC on Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 - 5:00 (closed noon to 1:00). An additional $10 will be paid if you return your old toilet to the WRASBC for recycling and toilet age verification. If your old toilet does not meet the age verification pre -1992 requirement, your rebate aaalication will be denied.

Inspection(s): No pre -inspection or post -inspection is required, however, WRASBC will verify that your old toilet is pre - 1992 to meet the rebate program requirements. A pre -inspection is required for free toilets/toilet rebates of 3 or more.

Upon completion of all requirements of the rebate program, you will receive your rebate within 30-45 days

Itatift

WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
IT TY

TURF REMOVAL PROGRAM
Water Resources Association
San Benito County
Turf Replacement Rebate Program WRASBC
$2 per square foot — from 100 sq. ft. up to 1,000 sq. ft. (831) 637-4378 — www.wrasbc.org The WRASBC is offering a program to reduce or limit turf in residential areas. Turf can use up to 80" of water per year in our climate and we only receive from 11-13" of rain on average. This program will act as an incentive to get people to remove turf and plant drought tolerant or native plants that use much less water and are more appropriate for our climate.

The WRASBC is offering customers of all the agencies they represent a $2.00 per square foot to replace eligible lawn areas (from 100 square feet up to 1,000 square feet) with:
• Low -water -use, climate -appropriate plants (25% of rehabilitated landscape area) and; • Permeable hardscape (pavers or other materials that allow water to pass -through to the soil).

Examples include pavers, crushed granite, decorative stones, mulch, etc. • Leak -free, drip irrigation if used in the converted area, must be low volume drip, micro -spray or bubbler and be free of malfunctions. Once installed, the irrigation system must not create runoff, overspray or misting.

The following per site maximum/minimum rebate amounts apply:

Maximum: $2,000 for Single -Family Multi -Family or Commercial (equivalent to 1,000 square feet of lawn removed)
Minimum: $200 for Single -Family Multi -Family or Commercial (equivalent to 100 square feet of lawn removed)
Customers may remove more or less turf area than is covered by the rebate program, but the per site maximum/minimum $ still applies.

Program Eligibility
• Rebates are available for residents, businesses, or institutions that receive their water from the City of Hollister, the City of San Juan Bautista, the Sunnyslope County Water District and the San Benito County Water District (Zone 6 ONLY) • Participants must own the property to be eligible
• Applicants must obtain pre -approval of their landscape plans for the area where the turf will be removed (WRASBC will send a letter to the participant) after they participate in a qualifying pre -inspection
• Landscape areas to be converted must be currently maintained and irrigated • Projects that have been started, landscape that has died, or projects that have already completed prior to pre -approval are not eligible
• New construction does not qualify as the Turf Removal Program is aimed at encouraging retrofitting of existing landscapes
• Projects must be completed with 120 days of pre -approval. Extensions can be provided on a case by case basis, if requested. However, funds are limited and an extension doesn't reserve or guarantee funds will be available when your project is completed. • Non -qualifying materials include, but are not limited to the following: seed, sod, vegetable gardens, vineyards, high water use plants, lawn ornaments, impervious surfaces, cement, decking, curbing, hot tubs, pools, building extensions, retaining walls, sheds, trellises, playground materials and fences.

Water Resources Association of San Benito County (WRASBC) 30 Mansfield Road
Hollister, CA 95024-0899 Page 613 of 1108
(831) 637-4378

WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
IT TY

TURF REMOVAL PROGRAM
Steps To Participate

1. Call the WRASBC at 831-637-4378 or email the Program Manager at [email protected] to schedule a Pre -Inspection visit to have the lawn area measured.

Either have a materials list ready at the time of the pre -inspection or a materials list can be submitted by mail or in person after the pre -inspection. The materials needs to show what plants, irrigation system (if needed), and hardscape materials you plan to install in the area where the turf was removed.

2. The WRASBC will review your materials list and send you an Approval Letter. After you receive the Approval Letter, you can start your project.

3. Remove the lawn area and install your project according to the approved materials list and program Terms and Conditions.

4. Call the Water Conservation Representative at 831-637-4378 to schedule a Post -Inspection visit. Post -Inspection must take place within 120 days of receiving the Approval Letter. Rebate checks will be processed within four (4) to six (6) weeks after Post -Inspection.

5. Rebates of $600 or more may be considered taxable income by the IRS/State. A signed and completed W-9 Form must be submitted with any rebate application.

Some Water -Wise Plant Resources
• Obtain the Water Conservation Fact Sheet entitled, "Low -Water/ Drought Resistant Plant List and Resources" from the WRASBC
ALERT: To retain your rebate eligibility, DO NOT INSTALL HIGH -WATER -USE PLANTS in your converted landscape. Only low- or moderate -water -use species are acceptable. 25% of the rehabilitated area must be low or moderate -water -use -plants.

High -water -use plant species are those listed as needing "Regular Water" or "Ample Water" in the Sunset Western Garden Book and those classified as High (H) water use on the WUCOLS (Water Use Classification Of Landscape Species) website. See WRASBC Fact Sheet "Low -Water/ Drought Resistant Plant List and Resources".

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE REBATE

1.General
a. Turf may not be reinstalled while you maintain ownership of the property.

If turf is reinstalled during that time, the entire rebate amount must be refunded. b. An applicant may be required to refund the entire rebate, or a portion thereof, in the WRASBC's sole discretion, if rebate program terms and requirements are violated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this requirement is void upon transfer of ownership.

2. Program Eligibility Determination
a. All deteuiiinations of program eligibility are at the sole discretion of the WRASBC.
b. The WRASBC may reject or limit applications at any time, for any reason. Only the property owner on record or the property owner's may apply.

3. The applicant is solely responsible for complying with any and all laws, regulations, policies, conditions, covenants and restriction that may apply and for any and all liabilities arising out of a conversion project. Applicants are encouraged to consult any applicable covenants, conditions and restriction (CC&Rs) or neighborhood Homeowner's Association (HOA) regulations that may apply to an anticipated conversion project prior to requesting a pre -inspection with the WRASBC. Applicants must also comply with all state and local laws relating to landscape maintenance. The quality, maintenance and appearance of the conversion are the exclusive responsibility of the applicant.

WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
IT
Water Resources Association San Benito County (WRASBC)
30 Mansfield Road, Hollister, CA 95023
(831) 637-4378

WATER SOFTENER REBATE PROGRAM
Program Overview: WRASBC offers two different rebate program options for the elimination or replacement of water softener. Most Water Softeners use roughly 75 gallons of water during regeneration. Waste water from Water Softeners contains high levels of sodium (salt and/or potassium) which makes it much more costly to recycle the water and negatively affects the groundwater aquifers.

Eligibility: Eligible residents of San Benito County are those who have water service through the City of Hollister, City of San Juan Bautista, Sunnyslope Water District or reside in CSA 31 (Stonegate). Customers served by private wells are not eligible.

Rebate: The WRASBC offers two different rebates for those who currently have a water softener:

Option 1 is a $250 rebate to eliminate any type of water softener and switch to an offsite regeneration service. Customers must submit proof by providing a copy of the 1 -year minimum contract; or Option 2 is a $300 rebate if you demolish your old, self-regulating Water Softener that uses salt/potassium, with a salt -free Water Conditioner, or remove it entirely and do not replace it. This rebate is limited to one Water Softener per household.

This rebate applies only to purchases within the last six months. All rebate programs are subject to available funds.

How to Apply for Option 1— Contracting for Outside Regeneration Service ($250 rebate):

1. Call to schedule a pre -inspection BEFORE you remove your old water softener (your old water softener cannot be removed before pre -inspection). The WRASBC technician will bring a rebate form and W-9 form for you to fill out.

2. After pre -inspection, remove your old water softener and make arrangements with water softener regeneration service to install new unit.
3 Call the WRASBC to schedule a post inspection. The WRASBC technician will pick up your rebate form, copy of your minimum 1 -year service agreement and completed W-9 form.

How to Apply for Option 2 - Demolition of Water Softener with No Replacement ($300 rebate):

1. Call to schedule a pre -inspection BEFORE you remove your old water softener (your old water softener cannot be removed before pre -inspection). The WRASBC technician will bring a rebate form and W-9 form for you to fill out.

2. After pre -inspection, remove your old Water Softener as instructed by WRASBC representative within 120 days

3. CaII the WRASBC to (1) schedule an on -site post -inspection to verify that your old Water Softener has been demolished (valves protruding from the wall have been capped off or a pipe must be soldered from one valve to the other creating a loop); OR (2) verify that you have installed a new salt -free alternative Water Conditioner.

The WRASBC technician will pick up your completed rebate application & W-9 form at this time Inspection(s): Pre -inspection: An on -site pre -inspection is required for both options. Prior to removing your old Water Softener, you must have a pre -inspection by a WRASBC representative who will explain the procedures for both options in detail as described above.

Upon completion of all requirements of the rebate program, you will receive your rebate within 30-45 days

San Benito Urban Area
Urban Water
Management Plan
2025
Todd Groundwater
Maureen Reilly, PE
Iris Priestaf, PhD
Ed Potts
Nicole Grimm

Water Code Requirements
• 20 -year planning horizon
• Demonstrate compliance with 2028 Water Loss
Standard
• Require UWMP update every five years
• Prescribed content and tables
• Required for State grants and loans
• Planning tool for water supply and demand
TODD

GROUNDWATER

UWMP Outline

1.Introduction

2.Plan Preparation

3.Service Area Description

4.Water Use Characterizations

5.SB X7-7 Baselines, 2020 Targets and 2025 Reporting

6.Normal Year Water Supply Characterization

7.Water Service Reliability and Drought Risk
Assessment

8.Water Shortage Contingency Planning
ODD
�

9.Demand Management Measures

GROUNDWATER
" •,muuuuiiIY:'•ud

Water Systems
• SBUA UWMP is a regional partners
o San Benito County Water District
o City of Hollister
• Sunnyslope County Water District
o NEW: City of San Juan Bautista
• Current water demand and supply is reported
separately (on DWR recommendations)
• Future water demand reported separately (n w)..
• Water supply, and reliability to be reported as a
region

GROUNDWATER

Water Demand
• UWMP documents water demand by user type for
each service area
• Future water demand consistent with Master Plan
• Hollister and Sunnyslope have met the SB X7-7 2020
Targets (gallons per capita per day), SJB does not have 2020 Targets. No targets required for SJB
Target Actual
Hollister 119 114
Sunnyslope 143 119

TODDIIIII

G R JUNDWATER

4,500 -
4,000 -
3,500 -
3,000
LL
S
Ri
1E • 2,500
2,000
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• 1,500
1,000 -
500 -
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RI CV g © E 0 0 0
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A Single Famaly Residential D. Industrial
B Multi-famaly Residential E Landscape
C Commercial/Institutional ■ F Other
May 2026

ODDIIIIII

GROUNDWATER
Figure 4-1
Historical and Current
Demand by Customer
Type - Hollister

Water Supply
• CVP M&l Supply
o Treated by Water Treatment Plants (Lessalt and West Hills) o Good quality
o Reduced during drought
• Groundwater
o Available as a reserve during droughts
o Poor water quality
o Must be blended with CVP to achieve goals
• Recycled Water
o Drought resistant
o Limited volume
o Limited uses
TODD

GROUNDWATER
loop

8,000 —
7,000 —
6,000 —
5,000
4,000
Q
E
c 3,000
2,000 —
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T T T T T T T T --T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T 4-+ ti ©a O N cca u7 O N. CO O O r N r'7 a OCr) cn O) 4) 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 E 3 3 3 3 3 33 7 `8 `8 N ai' r r r r N N N NI N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N A. Hollister Wells
■ B. SSCWD Wells to COH
■ C Sunnyslope Wells
D. Hollister Lessalti
F Hollister West Hills
E Sunnyslope Lessalt
G Sunnyslope West Hills
H. Sari Juan Bautista Wells

1. Recycled Water
May 2026
TODD

GROUNDWATER
Figure 6-5
Historical and Current
Supply by Source
Type - SBUA

Water Shortage Contingency Plan
• WSCP developed for the SBUA, now including SJB
• Provides New Annual Water Supply and Demand
Assessment
• Defining decision -making process and annual timeline • In conjunction with SGMA annual report
• Calculates effectiveness of each response action
using:
• Demand reduction during previous drought
• Studies of demand reduction
• Estimated demand reduction scaled to population
TODD

GROUNDWATER

Water Shortage Contingency Plan
• Supply can be temporarily augmented by
increasing proportion of groundwater to CVP
water in blending
• Communication protocols for each stage
• Same as previous WSCP:
• Response Actions
• Compliance and Enforcement
• Monitoring, Reporting, and WSCP Refinement
• Legal Authorities
TODD

GROUNDWATER

Keys to a Reliable Supply
• Blend groundwater with CVP water to achieve delivered water quality goals
• Maximize use of CVP supply when available
• Prioritize Health and Safety over irrigation during drought • Continue water conservation programs and programs to
reduce water system losses
TODD

GROUNDWATER

Next Steps
• Public Hearings
• City of Hollister June 15, 2026
• City of San Juan Bautista June 16, 2026
• Sunnyslope WD June 23, 2026
• SBCWD June 24, 2026
• Adoption
• DWR Submittal by July 1, 2026
• On file with the California State Library
• Tables and data uploaded to the portal
• PDF submitted electronically
TODD

GROUNDWATER

Questions?
TODD

GROUNDWATER

STAFF REPORT

HOLLISTER CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: June 15, 2026
REPORT # Public Works -2026-30
AGENDA ITEM: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT #2 ANNUAL LEVY
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Javier Hernandez, Public Works Director COUNCIL NEXT STEPS: Adopt a resolution authorizing the annual levy for Community Facilities District #2.

DISCUSSION: On July 6, 1995, the City Council of the City of Hollister adopted Resolution No. 95-95, establishing the formation of Community Facilities District No. 2 ("CFD 2" or the "District") and the levy of the Special Tax.

In accordance with the Mello -Roos Act (the "Act") and Resolution, parcels would be levied within the District which are not otherwise exempt from taxation under the Act or the Resolution of the special tax for fiscal year 2026/27. The rate determined and as set forth for this Community Facilities District does not exceed the amount as previously authorized by Resolution of this City Council. The special tax is collected in the same manner as ordinary and valorem property taxes are collected and is subject to the same penalties and same procedure and sale cases of any delinquency for ad valorem taxes.

FISCAL IMPACT: The City of Hollister contracts with Development and Public Finance, LLC (DPF) for the preparation of the annual levy in coordination with staff. The administrative costs for the preparation of the annual tax levies are $5,250, paid from Fund 218. Additionally, the City pays an administrative fee to San Benito County for the inclusion of the special tax upon the County's property tax billing, rather than separately administering invoicing and payment processing for the collection of the special tax.

The property owners will pay all costs associated with the District. Taxes for CFD 2 are collected into Fund 218. Rates may vary by project as the actual costs of services for and services provided to each annexation area may be different.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL OR COMMISSION ACTION: On July 6, 1995 the Council of the City of Hollister adopted Resolution No. 95-95, establishing the formation of Community Facilities CFD 2 and the levy of the Special Tax.

CEQA: The Annual Levy does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution to Levy CFD No. 2 Special Tax for FY27

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOLLISTER AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2 (POLICE AND

FIRE SERVICES) AUTHORIZING THE ANNUAL LEVY OF SPECIAL TAXES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
WHEREAS, the City Council (the "Council") of the City of Hollister (the "City") had previously undertaken proceedings and established Community Facilities District No. 2 ("District") pursuant to Chapter 2.5 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5, commencing with Section 53311 of the California Government Code, commonly known as the "Mello -Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982" (the "Act") to authorize the levy of special taxes upon land within the District; and
WHEREAS, the District will finance authorized services stated in the rate and method of apportionment of the special tax, which is on file with the City Clerk; and WHEREAS, the City Council, by Resolution No. 95-95 as authorized by Section 53340 of the Code, has authorized the levy of a special tax to pay for costs and expenses related to said District to be collected for the next fiscal year.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Hollister does hereby resolve as follows:

SECTION 1
The above recitals are true and correct.

SECTION 2
That in accordance with the Act and the Ordinance, there is hereby levied upon all parcels within the District which are not otherwise exempt from taxation under the Act or the Ordinance the special taxes for fiscal year 2026/27 at the rates set forth in the attached referenced and incorporated Exhibit A. The City Manager or their designee is hereby directed to prepare and file with the City Clerk a list of the exact amount of the special tax for each lot or parcel of land in accordance with this Resolution (the "2026/2027 Roll")
SECTION 3
That the rate determined and as set forth above does not exceed the amount as previously authorized by Ordinance of this City Council and is not in excess of that as previously approved by the qualified electors of the District, and is exempt from Proposition 218, Section XIIID of the California State Constitution.

SECTION 4