Water Supply Suggestions Sought in Santa Barbara County

Long range water supply issues may be resolved with a sweeping plan that includes suggestions from the public in Santa Barbara County.

Two public hearings will be held next week.

They are not aimed at dealing with the current prolonged drought, but instead looking at needs and resources for years to come.

The Santa Barbara County Water Agency says options include,but are not limited to, recycled water, desalination, reservoir desilting, additional surface storage, groundwater recharging, State Water Project options, and water transfers.

The suggestions will be evaluated, and eventually recommendations will be presented to the Board of Supervisors. That process could take a year.

The public can also comment on line at: www.countyofsb.org/watersupplyreport

The meetings will take place at 6 p.m. Monday night at the Board of Supervisors hearing room in Santa Maria, and Tuesday night at 6 p.m. in the Santa Barbara Planning Commission hearing room.