Drought Resilience Plan (SB 552)
Imperial County Domestic Well Preparedness & Reporting Portal
Prepare. Report. Stay Informed.
Imperial County is working with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to track and respond to drought impacts on private domestic wells. While most homes in Imperial County are connected to public water systems, a small number rely on private wells for household water. The County’s goal is to ensure every resident has access to safe, reliable water, especially during dry years.
Why this Program Exists
In 2021, California passed Senate Bill 552 (SB 552) to help counties plan for drought and water shortages that affect private wells and small water systems.
Senate Bill 552 requires all counties to improve drought and water shortage preparedness for state small water systems and domestic wells within a county’s jurisdiction by developing a County Drought Resilience Plan (County DRP).
Potential drought and water shortage risk
Proposed interim and long-term solutions for state smalls and domestic wells in the county.
Consider at a minimum:
Consolidations for existing water systems and domestic wells
Domestic well drinking water mitigation programs (e.g. well rehabilitation, assistance programs)
Provision of emergency and interim drinking water solutions
An analysis of the steps necessary to implement the plan
An analysis of funding sources available to implement the plan
The Department of Water Resources, through a stakeholder task force, prepared the County Drought Resilience Plan Guidebook PDF which provides guidance on all elements including how to complete a vulnerability assessment that informs short-term response actions and long-term mitigation strategies and actions, examples of short-term response items and long term mitigation actions, and how to implement and maintain the County Drought Resilience Plan. Additionally, SB 552 directed DWR to maintain and update its Water Shortage Vulnerability Scoring and Tool for counties to use in the plan preparation. DWR created the Water Shortage Vulnerability Explorer tool which is accessible at the DWR website.
Planning today for tomorrow’s water resilience
Imperial County’s Drought Resilience Plan (County DRP) explains how the County and its Drought and Water Shortage Task Force will prepare for and respond to drought impacts affecting private domestic wells and small water systems.
Prepared under Senate Bill 552 (SB 552) with support from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), the plan outlines key drought risks, coordination roles, communication strategies, and response actions to maintain reliable water supplies during dry periods.
Download the County DRP PDF (coming soon)
How to Report a Dry or Low-Producing Well
If your well stops producing water, here’s what to do:
First
Check your well equipment – Sometimes a pump or pressure switch may need repair.
Second
If the problem is drought-related, report it to the DWR Dry Well Reporting System Website.
Third
Notify Imperial County Planning & Development Services Department – 442-265-1736 – Staff use these reports to monitor local conditions and coordinate assistance.
Note
Your information stays confidential. Only summary data are shared publicly.
Preparedness Tips for Well Owners
Be drought-ready before problems start:
Know your well depth and pump setting.
Test water quality regularly.
Keep a seven-day emergency water supply.
Coordinate with neighbors and share updates.
Save contact info for local bulk haul water delivery companies.
Delivery Company
Address
D&M Water Co.
1548 Jones Street, Brawley, CA 92227
El Oasis Water Co. Inc.
200 East Main Westmorland, CA 92281
Roman's Water. Inc.
920 South 2nd Street El Centro, CA 92243
Local Resources & Assistance
Imperial County Contacts
County Planning & Development Services Department – 442-265-1736 | For water well permitting and/or rehabilitation planninginfo@co.imperial.ca.us
County Public Health Department, Environmental Health Division – (442) 265-1888 | For water quality questions envhealth@co.imperial.ca.us
County Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services – (442) 265-6000 | For emergency water coordination FireDepartment@co.imperial.ca.us
State Resources
Contact
El Centro, CA 92243