Increase in Water Tankers Raises Concern Over Misuse During the Drought

Big sprawling green lawns in the middle of an exceptional drought, along with the increase in water tankers in Montecito and Carpinteria have led to complaints lately.

Is the water being sold and transported legally during a statewide shortage?

“The county has had many ordinances in place that preclude or limit the ability to extract water from the Carpinteria unincorporated basin, because it is in the coastal zone, if you are in Ag-1 or Ag-2 you are prohibited from extracting and selling water,” said Santa Barbara County Supervisor Salud Carbajal.

The county and water officials have received many calls of concern from residents who see large water tankers heading towards lavish estates. They are concerned about the water purchases and whether or not it will drain down the underground reserves.

“I think it is unfair that the average person has to do all this stuff, and if you are wealthy person you can get by with it. To me it is just not right,” said resident Diana Thorn. “I don’t like what they are doing because it isn’t fair. This whole state is in a drought.”

The county and water districts are doing outreach to contact possible water sellers and urge them to discontinue the process or they could face penalties.

“I think our staff has been working with the water district to get the word out about what is legal, what is appropriate and what’s not,” said Carbajal.