For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:
(a) “Drought scenario” means either of the following:
(1) Circumstances for which the Governor has issued a proclamation of a state of emergency, pursuant to Section 8625 of the Government Code, based on drought conditions.
(2) (A) Circumstances for which the state board determines, consistent with subparagraph (B), that drought conditions necessitate urgent and immediate action to ensure availability of safe drinking water, to protect public health and safety, or, after consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, to avoid serious and irreparable harm to fish or wildlife.
(B) Before determining a drought scenario exists pursuant to subparagraph (A), the state board shall do both of the following:
(i) Provide notice, including specific geographic areas in which a determination of a drought scenario is proposed, to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, the secretaries of the implementing agencies, and the Director of Emergency Services.
(ii) To the extent feasible, conduct a public hearing for purposes of seeking public comment on the proposed declaration of a drought scenario, and any proposed actions.
(b) “Implementing agency” means any of the following:
(1) The Natural Resources Agency.
(2) The California Environmental Protection Agency.
(3) The Department of Food and Agriculture.
(4) The California Health and Human Services Agency.
(5) Boards, departments, and offices within the agencies specified in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive.
(6) The Office of Emergency Services.
(c) (1) “Interim or immediate relief” means any of the following:
(A) Hauled water.
(B) Temporary community water tanks.
(C) Bottled water.
(D) Water vending machines.
(E) Emergency water interties.
(F) New wells or rehabilitation of existing wells.
(G) Construction or installation of permanent connections to adjacent water systems, recycled water projects that provide immediate relief to potable water supplies, water use reduction and efficiency equipment, and other projects that support immediate drought response.
(H) Fish and wildlife rescue, protection, and relocation.
(I) Education, outreach, direct installation programs, rebate programs, and other activities to increase water conservation.
(J) Drought resilience planning.
(K) Groundwater recharge projects meeting the conditions of Section 1242.1.
(2) Eligible costs for interim or immediate relief include technical assistance, site acquisitions, post-performance monitoring, and costs directly related to the provision of the project.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 51, Sec. 36. (SB 122) Effective July 10, 2023.)