County launches new drought web page

Merced County has updated its drought web page to include drought information and an application for an emergency water distribution plan.

The page, which can be found at www.co.merced.ca.us/savewater, is available in 90 languages, including English, Spanish, Hmong and Punjabi.

The page offers information about the drought, information and a form for the emergency water distribution plan, information about low-interest loans and well financing options and the county’s groundwater ordinance.

The county also has a drought-assistance hotline for residents. Callers will be provided with basic information about how to apply online for the emergency water distribution program and will be connected to a provider, the public health department, the environmental health department or the office of emergency services. The number is 209-726-2705.

The county’s Emergency Water Distribution Program was developed to provide a temporary water source to homes with dry wells. The county began accepting applications Aug. 1. If approved, residents could receive deliveries of non-potable water up to 50 gallons per person per day for health and sanitation reasons. Bottled water for drinking and cooking also would be provided at a rate of 1 gallon per person per day.

Requirements for the water include: Having a well verified as dry through a driller or pump company, have applied for a new well permit and have completed and submitted the application for temporary water delivery.

This story was originally published August 3, 2015 at 6:08 PM with the headline "County launches new drought web page."