Goleta Water District Board Lowers Water Shortage to Stage I and Will be Lifting Drought Surcharge

Water Shortage Update - All mandatory water use restrictions, including watering days and times, have been lifted. The drought surcharge will no longer apply for all water used after May 1, 2019.

On April 9, 2019, in response to an increased allocation of surface water supplies from Lake Cachuma, the Goleta Water District Board of Directors lowered the ongoing Water Shortage Emergency from a Stage III to a Stage I, effective immediately.  Under Stage l, restrictions on watering days and times have been rescinded and conservation is voluntary. However, prohibitions against wasting water remain in effect and leaks must still be fixed within 24 hours.  Additionally, the drought surcharge will be lifted at the beginning of the next billing cycle and water used on or after May 1, 2019 will not be subject to the drought surcharge.

District Board President Lauren Hanson said, “We’re thrilled that our community has received so much rain this winter. With the increased allocation from Lake Cachuma, the Goleta Water District is now able to lift the water use restrictions and drought surcharge.  While conservation is once again voluntary, after nearly eight years of drought, it will be some time before the District’s water supply portfolio returns to normal, so it’s very important that all of us continue to use water wisely.”

A Stage I Water Shortage is declared when the District’s water supply is 85-90% of normal over the next twelve months, or when the District water supply is insufficient to provide 80% of normal deliveries for the next twenty-four months.

State Prohibitions on water waste are now permanent, and the following are prohibited state-wide:

  • Potable water may not be used to wash down sidewalks and driveways.
  • Runoff caused by irrigation is prohibited.
  • Vehicles must be washed using a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
  • Decorative water features must use recirculated water.
  • Outdoor irrigation is prohibited during and within 48 hours following measurable rainfall.

The District continues to offer rebates to support customers in conservation. Click here for more information on available rebates, or visit WaterWiseSB.org for water conservation tips, resources and information.

(Published April 10, 2019)