Keep Up the Good Work
Water availability has been a concern in the region of Santa Barbara County since the earliest settlements of the Chumash. The most recent drought, ending in 2023, refocused attention on the need to both conserve water and to seek new sources. Water scarcity is an ongoing fact of life in the County. The unique geography of the South Coast makes it particularly susceptible to drought; however, the entire county faces a scarcity of both ground and surface water.
Historically, groundwater resources have been depleted by both agricultural and urban uses, without regard for sustainability. Seawater intrusion into our aquifers due to overuse of the groundwater is a real threat.
The last three winters have seen heavy precipitation across Santa Barbara County leading to full reservoirs and somewhat replenished aquifers. Nevertheless, complacency is not a luxury County residents can afford. As another drought is inevitable, the 2024-25 Santa Barbara County Grand Jury undertook an investigation to determine whether Santa Barbara County as a whole is adequately prepared…