Anonymous
Jameson Lake (filed courtesy photo)
Source: Montecito Water District
The latest US drought monitor map shows the majority of the state, including Santa Barbara County, as no longer in drought conditions. While the drought may be over according to the US Drought Monitor, Montecito Water District remains in a water shortage condition.
Below is a quick status update on each of our water supplies:
Jameson Lake – Jameson Lake is at 100% capacity since spilling on February 3, 2019. Unfortunately, this water is currently undeliverable due to water quality issues resulting from the Thomas Fire. We are increasingly hopeful that treatment plant enhancements will enable us to deliver an increased amount of water from Jameson Lake this year. Results on the effectiveness of the District’s new treatment enhancements are expected in mid-late March.
Groundwater – This year’s above average rainfall will likely result in some recharge of the Montecito Groundwater Basin. Prior to this winter, the groundwater basin was at or near a historic low level. We anticipate it will take several years of above average rainfall before the basin will return to ‘normal’ conditions.
Lake Cachuma – While capacity is at 60% and climbing, the District’s allocation from the Cachuma project currently remains at 20%. We anticipate our Cachuma Project allocation will increase, potentially to 100% for 2019, but to date, USBR has not yet increased the allocation.
State Water Project – The 2019 SWP allocation remains below average at 35% irrespective of the significant rainfall and snowpack received across the state this winter. We anticipate this will likely increase but there is no certainty.
In summary, while it is heartening to be labeled clear of drought, the effect of this year’s significant rainfall and subsequent reservoir inflows on our overall water supply outlook for 2019 remains uncertain. At this time, it would be premature to conclude that our water shortage condition has ended. We will continue to reassess our water supply conditions and anticipate having a clearer picture at the end of winter / rainy season in late March. We will also continue to rely on our customers to maintain their outstanding conservation practices, and understand that our message remains consistent with the State’s: water conservation is a California way of life.
Past Articles
- February 21, 2019: Santa Barbara Out of the Drought?
Why Montecito? Is it the acreage of lawn & landscaping that constantly needs water?
Probably, and there’s a problem of limited groundwater supplies, due in good part to the large number of selfish people who have drilled their own wells, tapping into what should be community supplies. It’s ironic that one of those with a well has been in the local forefront of water issues.
City of Santa Barbara water customers do not pay a “drought surcharge”. Look at your utility bill. Goleta Water District has a drought charge, not sure about Montecito Water District, but not SB. The drought will officially be over when Cachuma spills. There has been no official drought status change in the City of SB, although that may be in works and no doubt customers and the community in general will be advised. Meanwhile, all irrigation should be turned off during the rain and for 48 hours after measurable rain. The community must conserve water, summer is coming! How soon we tend to forget about the heat and arid conditions as soon as it rains and the hills turn green. Don’t forget, all that green turns brown in the scorching summer sun and turns into fuel for the inevitable wildfires. Which have to be put out using…you guessed it…water. Please conserve.
The drought in the late 1940s was a doozy, no Cachuma and Gibraltar was dry (a story in Life or Look (magazines) had a story on the CA drought with the cover picture of Gibraltar so dry the ground was cracked). The Miramar Hotel Garage (later convention center) was stealing our water at night to wash their guests’ cars.