Small Water System and Domestic Wells Drought and Water Shortage Task Force

County of Ventura Drought Resilience Plan

Senate Bill (SB) 552 (Hertzberg) was signed into law in September 2021 and requires counties to establish a task force and develop a plan for long-term water resilience for domestic wells and state small water systems. Under careful research, state guidance and public input, Ventura County completed the County of Ventura Drought Resilience Plan in March of 2026.

About the Plan: The plan includes an overview of local drought risks and vulnerabilities, roles and coordination amongst agency partners, communication strategies and response actions to support reliable water supplies. The plan is designed to a be a living document and is revisited quarterly and updated annually by the Project Coordination Team, made up of representatives from County agencies with input from members of the County of Ventura Drought and Water Shortage Task Force.

Ventura County Drought Resilience Plan

To join the ongoing Task Force, click HERE.

Resources

Learn about your Well

Private well Basics & Maintenance

Private well owners are responsible for maintaining their wells. These free and self-paced educational tools will help well owners understand groundwater systems, well construction and routine maintenance practices.

Private Well Class – A free 10-week email course covering groundwater fundamentals, well care and water protection strategies.
WellOwner.org Resource Library – Developed by the National Ground Water Association, this library includes fact sheets, videos and troubleshooting guidance for private well systems.
EPA Private Drinking Water Wells – The United States Environmental Protection Agency provides comprehensive information on private well safety, including water testing, contaminants of concern, and steps to protect your drinking water.
CA Department of Water Resources – Wells – Learn the basics of private water wells, including well construction, maintenance, water quality protection, and permitting requirements. This California Department of Water Resources page also provides guidance, tools, and resources to help well owners protect their groundwater and drinking water supply.

Test Your Water

Water Quality Monitoring & Testing Guidance

Routine testing is the most effective way to ensure the safety of your drinking water. These resources offer guidance on testing water quality.

State Water Board – Domestic Well Resources – The California State Water Resources Control Board Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment Program (GAMA) provides groundwater quality information, testing guidance and tools to interpret laboratory results.
Certified Drinking Water Test Laboratories – Well owners may obtain testing through state-certified laboratories. Annual testing is recommended. More frequent testing may be necessary during drought conditions or if water quality changes are observed.

Get Technical Assistance

Support for Small System Users

Get technical assistance on drought resilience, local requirements, watershed management and emergency preparedness.

Ventura County Environmental Health Division – The Ventura County Environmental Health Division provides guidance on private well safety, water quality concerns, and local requirements.
Ventura County Watershed Protection District – The Ventura County Watershed Protection District provides data and information on groundwater conditions, watershed management and water trends.
Rural Community Assistance Corporation – Loan/Grant Programs – The Rural Community Assistance Corporation aids with drinking water systems, well management and drought resilience. Services vary based on funding availability and location.
USDA Rural Development – Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants – Eligible rural homeowners may qualify for low-interest loans or grants to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, including projects that address water, wastewater, and other health and safety needs. Learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply through USDA Rural Development.
California Department of Public Health – Authorized Water Haulers – If your well is impacted by drought, this resource provides information on licensed water haulers, retail water facilities, drinking water safety, and water quality resources to help you access safe drinking water.
ReadyVenturaCounty.org – Prepare for drought and other emergencies with tips on creating an emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit, staying informed through local alerts, and protecting your household during water shortages and other hazards.

Planning Process

Meeting 1 January 20, 2026

County of Ventura Drought Resilience Plan Task Force Meeting #1: January 20th 1:30 pm -3 pm

Meeting #1 Presentation Slides
Meeting #1 Draft Summary

COV Drought Resilience Zoom 1.20.26

Meeting 2 March 10, 2026

County of Ventura Drought Resilience Plan Task Force Meeting #2: March 10th 10:30 am-12 pm

Meeting #2 Presentation Slides
Meeting #2 Draft Summary

COV Drought Resilience Zoom 3.10.26

Resources

Referenced Documents:

DWR Risk Assessment Tool

Methodology/data

DWR Guidebook

Groundwater Basin Maps

JOIN THE TASK FORCE

Sign up here to participate in the State Small Water System and Domestic Wells Drought and Water Shortage Task Force to facilitate drought and water shortage preparedness for Sate small water systems and domestic wells within the county’s jurisdiction and guide the development of the County Drought Resilience Plan.

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Enter Email Confirm Email

Please Select one of the following:(Required)

I would like to SUBSCRIBE to participate in the Task Force.

I would like to UN-SUBSCRIBE from participating in the Task Force.

Ventura County Task Force Charter

Contact Us

For more information, please contact us at SB552DroughtResiliencyPlan@venturacounty.gov

CONNECT WITH US