One of the key elements of the newly approved water accord described on this page is downstream water releases to maintain fish, principally steelhead trout. It also maximizes water supply for all users of Lake Cachuma.

Historic Water Agreement: 
People, Fish and Environment

After 3 years of tough negotiations, Montecito Water District and other local agencies and cities have reached a historic water rights agreement dealing with release of water from Lake Cachuma behind Bradbury Dam. The 2002 Santa Ynez River Water Rights Agreement has been approved and signed by the Boards of Directors and City Councils of the affected agencies.

The agencies involved in reaching the historic agreement include Montecito Water District and numerous other water providers that depend on Lake Cachuma for their water supplies, as well as downstream users of Santa Ynez River water.

Downstream water users had threatened legal action, claiming that the water stored in Lake Cachuma has more minerals than the naturally occurring stormwater received before the Lake was formed. A change will be made that will improve the quality of water that is received for use by downstream users.

Everyone benefits by entering the upcoming State Water Resources Control Board hearings on water rights with a common agreed-upon position.

Everyone
Benefits
The collaborative agreement provides benefits for all the participants and for the environment.

Water users along the Santa Ynez River downstream of Lake Cachuma's Bradbury Dam will receive higher quality water and greater quantities of water during high-rainfall years.

Montecito Water District and other agencies receiving water by pipeline from Lake Cachuma will retain their current water supplies from the Lake.

Fish, principally steelhead trout, continue to receive benefits from water releases and other protection programs that will remain in place.