The Butte County Department of Water Resources has opened several locations for residential well owners who need water to pick up potable water in Chico and Oroville, California.
According to The Butte County DWR, Butte County will verify residents are using the water for household uses only.
A Local Emergency caused by drought conditions has been proclaimed for Butte County, according to DWR. As a result, The Butte County Board of Supervisors passed and adopted a resolution proclaiming the local emergency on Jul. 20, 2021. This in response to increased reports of residential wells going dry because of drought conditions.
There is one location in Chico where potable water may be collected: 2750 Aztec Drive, which is being supplied by Butte County and Cal Water, Chico. Butte County residents can access 100 gallons of water per person per day and this service is open noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
In the Oroville area, South Feather Water and Power provides three locations with potable (drinking) water.
- 7540 Oro Bangor Hwy: This location will accommodate containers up to 5 gallons. Public access is unlimited. No limit on daily use.
- 2310 Oro Quincy Hwy: This location will accommodate containers up to 5 gallons. Public access is unlimited. No limit on daily use.
- 234 Kelly Ridge Road: This location will accommodate containers up to 5 gallons. Public access is unlimited. No limit on daily use.
The locations listed above provide potable water for residents to fill and haul themselves, according to DWR. The water is potable at the source but there is no guarantee it will remain safe to drink if it is put in a container that is not certified for hauling potable water.
Regardless, the County encourages residents to use water from these locations for everyday functions and to use bottled water for drinking.
Butte County residents who need potable water may also hire a Water Hauler licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Residents whose wells are dry or not producing adequate water to submit a report at https://mydrywatersupply.water.ca.gov/report/.
More information can be found here about private well owners.
