PLANNING FOR DROUGHT AND CLIMATE CHANGE: THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE, PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND POLICY

During the past decade virtually every region of North America has experienced water shortage conditions and the resulting impacts. The El Dorado County Western Slope Drought Analysis presents key outcomes of the first phase of drought analysis effort including; an engaged stakeholder process, the development of a Shared Vision Model (SVM), and input from a team of veteran experts. The second phase will establish drought preparedness plans for each of the purveyors. The American and Cosumnes River watersheds that provide water to customers in El Dorado County; have experienced less than average rainfall in more than 30% of the 80 year hydrologic record. Climate cycle indicators demonstrate that historically severe and prolonged dry conditions have occurred. The possibility of climate change creates more uncertainty, and the risk that droughts will occur with greater frequency and severity. The El Dorado County Western Slope Drought Analysis Achieves: Translation of the science of drought into real world practical solutions using “virtual” drought simulations; Monthly tracking of drought indicators; Stakeholder input; Drought mitigation measures using demand reduction and supply augmentation for each user.