Drought Assistance for Households and Small Water Systems
Si tiene un pozo seco y necesitaría asistencia en Español, llame gratis (844) 903-2800.
County Offices of Emergency Services are the first responders during drought emergencies because counties are best positioned to assist with immediate relief—such as bottled and hauled water. The state provides funding to counties for drought-related water shortages.
If you are a county representative or NGO partner, visit our drought funding for counties page.
Individual Households
If you’re having trouble accessing water in your home or your well has gone dry, please contact your county Office of Emergency Services to request assistance. Your county will work with you to determine what assistance is available and next steps.
Click here to find contact information for your County Office of Emergency Services.
We recognize that some counties are struggling to help their residents deal with the impacts of drought. If your county is unable to assist you, please email drought@waterboards.ca.gov.
State Small Water Systems
If you’re small water system (less than 15 services connections or 25 residents) is experiencing a water outage or shortage, please contact your county Office of Emergency Services to request assistance. Your county will work with you to determine what assistance is available and next steps.
Click here to find contact information for your County Office of Emergency Services.
Community Water Systems
If your community water system (at least 15 service connections or 25 residents) is experiencing a water outage or shortage, please complete the following steps to receive prompt assistance:
- Follow the steps in your system’s water shortage contingency plan.
- Contact your county Office of Emergency Services to request assistance. Your county will work with you to determine what assistance is available and next steps.
If your local Office of Emergency Services is the County, click here to find contact information for your County Office of Emergency Services. - Alert your district engineer OR local primary agency (LPA) of the issue.
- If you are regulated by the State Water Board, contact your district engineer.
- If you are regulated by your county, reach out to your LPA.
The drought is an evolving emergency and the State is adapting our response activities as needs change. We will update this webpage as new information and resources become available.
(Page last updated 9/2/21)
Water is a precious resource in California, and maintaining its quality is of utmost importance to safeguard the health of the public and the environment.
