Agenda - 05-17-2007-WRPMemo - Laserfiche WebLink

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As discussed in the WRP, this position would serve as the point person on the Water Resources Component of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan, developing policy recammendationsond coordinating closely with other departments and staff. Far example, following up on the 1996 USGS study of recharge areas would help inform the development of the water resources component, which will be developed in the next few months. Also important for comprehensive planning would be further data on the relationships of land use patterns and flooding. In summary, to effectively plan for the sustainable use of this critical natural resource, it is necessary to have scientific expertise and understanding of the relationships between land use patterns and draughts, flooding, the County's geology and other natural features, and its water supply. 2. Begin Implementation of the Water Resources Initiative/ Water Resources Program. The position could begin implementation of the Water Resources Initiative/ Water Resources Program, a proactive program to tie together the many years of surface water planning and ground water studies and build on that knowledge to address critical water resource issues that affect all citizens of Orange County. Responsibilities would include but not be limited to the provision of scientific expertise to the commissioners, County departments, advisory boards, and the public on surface water hydrology, ground water hydrogealogy, and the inter-relationship between the two, and interpretation of current and future studies and research in this area. Nate that particularly important focus issues for the position would be droughts {impacts of draughts on ground water supplies, so that appropriate action can be recommended}, ground water contamination {following up on the 2001 USGS study}, and ground water availability. A follow up to the 1996 USGS study of recharge areas could provide key information on ground water availability and provide support to the Planning Department and citizens regarding the adequacy of recharge areas/ lot sizes to support ground water based supply in new developments. Information on ground water availability would also be a service to the public in Orange County, a headwaters county with limited quantities of water and a history of droughts. Parenthetically, Imight note that I wish better information had been available when the well at my house started to run dry several years ago. We were able to get an adequate supply by drilling a second well at the cost of several thousand dollars, but we could not get any really good information about siting the well and had to take our chances. Even general information about ground water availability would be helpful. I hope this information provides some clarification concerning the proposed water resources program, with specific emphasis an the Water Resources Coordinator. If we act now, we will make goad use of a critical opportunity far Orange County to plan far the effective use of this very important resource.