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Drought 9.3 EXPOSURE All people, property and environments in the planning area would be exposed to some degree to the impacts of moderate to extreme drought conditions. 9.4 VULNERABILITY 9.4.1 Population The entire population of the County is vulnerable to drought events. Drought can affect people’s health and safety, including health problems related to low water flows, poor water quality, or dust. Droughts can also lead to loss of human life. Other possible impacts include recreational risks; effects on air quality; diminished living conditions related to energy, air quality, and hygiene; compromised food and nutrition; and increased incidence of illness and disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). The County of San Mateo, BAWSCA, regional water purveyors, and other regional stakeholders have devoted considerable time and effort to protect life, safety, and health during times of consecutive dry years. Steps have been taken to analyze and account for anticipated water shortages. With coordination from its cities, the County has the ability to minimize and reduce impacts on community members and water consumers in San Mateo County. No significant life or health effects are anticipated as a result of drought in San Mateo County. 9.4.2 Property No structures will be directly affected by drought conditions, though some structures may become vulnerable to wildfires, which are more likely following years of drought. Droughts can have significant impacts on other types of property such as landscaped areas and economically important natural resources. Drought causes the most significant economic impacts on industries that use water or depend on water for their business, most notably agriculture and related sectors (forestry, fisheries, and waterborne activities), power plants, and oil refineries. In addition to losses in yields in crop and livestock production, drought is associated with increased insect infestations, plant diseases, and wind erosion. Drought can lead to other losses because so many sectors are affected - losses that include reduced income for farmers and reduced business for retailers and others who provide goods and services to farmers. This leads to unemployment, increased credit risk for financial institutions, capital shortfalls, and loss of tax revenue. Prices for food, energy, and other products may also increase as supplies decrease. 9.4.3 Critical Facilities Critical facilities as defined for this plan will continue to be operational during a drought. Critical facility features such as landscaping may not be maintained due to limited water resources, but the risk to critical facility core functions is low. 9.4.4 Environment Groundwater and Streams Drought generally does not affect groundwater sources as quickly as surface water supplies, but groundwater supplies generally take longer to recover. Reduced precipitation during a drought means that groundwater 9-11