Environment 7-2

In the ever-confusing reckoning of the State Water Project, the Central Coast Water Authority reported that out of the 39,078 acre-feet of State Water allotted to Santa Barbara County, about 68 percent is available this year, although the state has promised only 40 percent of the allotment. This year marks the third of statewide drought, and the governor will release a water management plan should it appear that a fourth year is imminent.