Drought Relief Resources
California’s historic drought is impacting many Sacramento County families, small businesses, and farmers. We've gathered drought relief resources to connect people in our region with help to get through this difficult time.
Please note that some of these assistance programs have deadlines to apply and it’s important for you to review all of the information carefully. My staff is ready to help you navigate these resources and we’d be happy to help you in any way that we can.
We're here to make government work for you, so if your farm, business, or residence needs any further help, please call us at (916) 635 0505.
I’m also fighting for solutions to our drought emergency that put people ahead of politics. We can’t pit Republicans against Democrats or Northern Californians against southern-delta interests. That’s why I support increasing our water storage and I’ve voted to fund upgrades at the Folsom Dam, to increase our local water storage capacity and to create jobs. I’m also supporting legislation to boost water conservation and recycling and fighting plans to send more water out of our area. Please click here to visit my Addressing California’s Drought issue page to learn more about how I’m working on this issue.
- Help for Residents:
- Help for Farmers:
- Help for Small Businesses:
- Water Conservation Information and Tips:
Help for Residents:
If your household is having a tough time with the drought, Sacramento County's various water agencies may be able to help you.
For example, many residents are eligible to receive rebates for water efficient appliances, such as washing machines and toilets, and for following other conservation best practices. In addition, your local water supplier may be able to provide your home or business with a free audit that can help you figure out ways to save water and money. You can click here to learn which water provider serves your home or business.
- Free water conservation consultations: Many local water agencies in our area offer free, personal consultations to review your household’s water usage to find ways how you can save water and money. Please click here to learn more.
- Water efficiency rebates: Learn more about rebates that your water provider may offer you below. You may also visit the rebates section of Be Water Smart for additional information, a website sponsored by water agencies in Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado counties, and the City of West Sacramento.
California American Water Provider
Sac County Water District
Sacramento Suburban Water District
Golden State Water Company (Rancho Cordova)
Rancho Murieta Water District
Elk Grove Water District
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Help for Farmers:
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering a variety of initiatives to help local farmers during this difficult time. For instance, USDA is providing livestock disaster aid and also help for farmers to improve water conservation. They can also help you repair drought damage to farm lands, control soil erosion, improve irrigation systems, and more. Here are some of the resources available from the USDA that may help you and your farm:
- Disasterassistance.gov: Federal government website that can help link you and your farm to helpful resources.
- USDA Drought Programs and Assistance: page has news on the drought and information on help offered through USDA.
- USDA Resources for Small & Midsized Farmers & Ranchers: In addition, USDA created this page as a general resource for small and midsized farmers and ranchers. It includes information on access to capital, land management, conservation, risk management, and more.
- The USDA's Risk Management Agency administers several programs to assist with agriculture-related businesses being hurt by the drought.
- The USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service also has a Drought Assistance web page with information on conservation and how to get assistance.
- The USDA’s Farm Service Agency also has resources available to help farmers. Here are some specific drought resources that they offer that you may want to explore:
- Livestock Forage Program: This program is now covering eligible losses back to October 1st, 2011. It provides compensation to eligible livestock producers that have suffered losses because of the drought or fire. Please click here to learn more.
- Farm Loan Programs: This may be another resource worth exploring to help you and your farm. These include emergency farm loans, farm operating loans to establish or strengthen your farm or ranch, or smaller micro loans that can help smaller farming operations. You may click here to learn more about all the Farm Loan Programs and you may also click here to read the USDA’s comprehensive guide (PDF).
- You may also contact the Elk Grove Farm Service Agency Office for assistance. Here is their contact information:
- Livestock Forage Program: This program is now covering eligible losses back to October 1st, 2011. It provides compensation to eligible livestock producers that have suffered losses because of the drought or fire. Please click here to learn more.
Elk Grove FSA Office
9701 Dino Drive Suite 170
Elk Grove, CA. 95624
916-714-1104 ext 2
- The California State Water Efficiency Enhancement Program provides grants for farmers to invest in water irrigation treatment or distribution systems. You may click here for the application (PDF).
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Help for Small Businesses:
I know many Sacramento County businesses are being impacted by this devastating drought, some of which chose to locate in our area because of our normally abundant water supply. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers programs that may be able to help local small business owners and non-agriculture businesses that are being hurt by the drought.
- Disasterassistance.gov: Federal government website that can help link you and your small business to helpful resources.
- You can learn more about the assistance offered by the SBA by visiting their Drought Disaster Assistance page. Please click here to learn more.
- The SBA administers the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program for non-agriculture businesses that are hurt by the drought.
- Disaster loan information and application forms are available by calling (800) 659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
- You can click here to apply for an SBA disaster loan online or you may also click here to download a paper application.
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Water Conservation Information and Tips:
California Governor Jerry Brown has declared a drought emergency in California and is now requiring new measures to save water. Visit the websites below to find additional ways conserve water: