Managing Regional Water Supplies

Source: Santa Barbara County Grand Jury

Santa Barbara County Grand Jury investigated the serious problem of drought and water management within the County.  Santa Barbara County is one of the most drought-prone areas of California.  Although there was considerably above average rainfall this winter (140 percent of normal), Lake Cachuma is still only 51 percent full, which can seduce many into thinking that the drought is over.  It’s not!

While there are many sources of water available throughout the County, managed by a multiplicity of water purveyors, there is inadequate coordination among them, reflecting their conflicting priorities.  The Grand Jury recommends that there be an independent, impartial and forward-thinking agency with the authority to lead Santa Barbara County’s efforts to manage its water supplies.