The Angry Poodle’s “Lamentations of a Dog Denied” contains insight into the recent discovery of a unique and isolated groundwater basin, located on historic Slippery Rock Ranch in the foothills of Goleta.

Existing studies verify this naturally replenishing water basin closely mirrors Cachuma Lake at capacity, and more importantly, it is hydrologically isolated from Goleta Valley’s main groundwater basin due to the underlying geology.

Nick Welsh strays when asserting this water could be used for private development on the Gaviota coast. Untrue! There’s no infrastructure to do so, and this requires stringent county approvals. The Slippery Rock Ranch owners are only coordinating with local water agencies, to provide this water for the betterment of all residents.

Welsh is spot on when he states, “For California to survive this and future droughts, more inventive and efficient management of groundwater basins is essential.”

Facts point to this being a separate, locally replenishing water source, making this the biggest water opportunity in 25 years for South Coast communities. With wise use, this is a far more environmentally and economically attractive alternative to importing more State Water or desalination.

Certainly, additional testing and environmental review are welcome. The South Coast has a long history of supporting environmental studies before important decisions are made about our land and water. The owners of Slippery Rock Ranch expected the Goleta Water District would be supportive of this approach. Instead, they have disappointingly filed a lawsuit, attempting to block rigorous environmental assessment of this undeveloped water resource.

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