The historic drought from 2012 through 2016 was a wake-up call for water managers statewide. Severe vulnerabilities were discovered with our current water systems and watershed management practices. Recent devastating wildfires exposed the weaknesses of decades of passive forest management and priorities to suppress all fires. Now, we are recognizing the importance of forest fuels reduction to headwaters management and climate resiliency in El Dorado County. Outcome-oriented actions are necessary to secure water supplies, improve drought preparedness, manage stormwater as a resource, provide adequate flood protection, and enhance watershed health and resiliency — all integral elements for proactive water management planning for the County’s future.
The 2019 WRDMP reflects nearly a year of effort to incorporate the latest information and data from ongoing studies and those most knowledgeable of the challenges we face. The collaboration to develop the plan with
water purveyors and stakeholders throughout El Dorado County, and key County staff from multiple departments represents a model for success for our most pressing water management challenges.
