The purpose of a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) is to help the District design and plan for resilience from the impacts of droughts with regard to sustainable management of water resources. The plan will help the District prepare for an reduce risk of water shortages and provide alternatives to build short- and long-term resilience to drought.

This planning process is funded through a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART grant with District and basin stakeholders matching funds and technical assistance. The process is anticipated to take up to two years, with a goal for completion by October 2025.

The District intends to work with local water users, municipalities, industry, educational institutions, agricultural producers, recreationalists, and environmental/conservation groups throughout the planning process. Additionally, the District will leverage this project with other on-going planning, monitoring and assessment efforts including municipal source water protection planning, identification of forest and wildlife zones of concern and critical infrastructure, watershed and stream management planning, community wildfire protection planning, land use code updates, and community drought conservation messaging.

The process is managed by Task Force that represents water user interests. The District expects significant opportunity for public input through stakeholder meetings and interviews, and a public comment period for the plan itself.