Water Supplies Showing Signs Of Recovery In Santa Barbara But No Drought Relief Just Yet

The rushing water throughout Santa Barbara County in the last week is a positive sign, but the drought is not over. Water Resources Manager Joshua Haggmark says the Santa Barbara supply will still need multiple sources and a specific management plant to get out of the crisis the area has dealt with for over five years. Even with Gibraltar Dam filled and spilling, the water quality is poor due to fire zone runoff and other problems.  The in flow to Cachuma Lake also does not go directly to Santa Barbara but a long list of customers and environmental obligations. The last rain water from Cachuma that flowed to the city went through the delivery line in December.