CCWD Seeks Community Input, Releases Local Hazard Mitigation Survey

Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) is updating its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) pursuant to the five-year update cycle requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and to obtain approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This update is a prerequisite to ensure the CCWD remains eligible to use FEMA pre- and post-disaster financial assistance. The LHMP update will serve as a blueprint for reducing property damage to CCWD water facilities and minimizing water delivery disruptions associated with the effects of natural disasters in CCWD’s service area.     Click here to take the Survey

CCWD’s water supply facilities and infrastructure are vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards, including but not limited to drought, earthquakes, flooding, landslides, severe weather, and wildfires. CCWD may also be exposed to climate change effects and human-caused hazards, such as cyber threats. The term “hazard mitigation” describes actions that can help reduce or eliminate long-term risks caused by hazards. Hazard mitigation is best accomplished when based on a comprehensive and long-term plan that is developed before a disaster strikes. As the costs of disaster and hazard impacts continue to rise, governments and citizens must find ways to reduce hazard risks to communities. Recent cost-benefit studies have proven mitigation to be cost-effective for communities, with mitigation projects returning $6 for every $1 spent. Mitigation is thus an investment in a community’s future safety and resiliency. Hazard mitigation produces less vulnerable conditions through pre- and post-disaster projects and resilient reconstruction. The implementation of hazard mitigation actions means building safer and smarter communities that will be able to withstand future impacts.

CCWD customers, organizations, businesses, and interested stakeholders are encouraged to contribute to the planning process. Broad public participation in the planning process is an essential strategy for developing an updated and comprehensive plan that will be effective, supported by local residents, and ultimately implemented.  One way to get involved is to take a short public survey designed to gather input on hazards and the mitigation ideas: Click here for the CCWD LHMP SURVEY

The survey is open until April 28, 2023.

Questions may be directed to Kelly Gerkensmeyer, CCWD Water Resources Specialist by calling (209) 754-3090 or by email at kellyg@ccwd.org.