Full Notification

Santa Barbara, CA – January 17, 2014

Today, County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato, acting as the Director of Emergency
Services, proclaimed a local emergency following action taken earlier today by
California Governor Brown in declaring a statewide State of Emergency for Drought. On
January 15, 2014, the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
also declared 27 Counties in California, including Santa Barbara County, to be
designated as primary natural disaster areas due to drought conditions.

Ratification of the Proclamation of a Local Emergency will be considered by the Board
of Supervisors on Tuesday, January 21st, 2014.

“For many of our water purveyors, as well as our agricultural industry, the lack of rainfall
is causing some serious concern”, said Miyasato. “With the long term prospects of
significant rain looking dim, and with our local supplies significantly strained, we need to
all be aware of the reality”.

Part of the Governor’s Declaration, as well as the County’s, includes a call for an
immediate voluntary 20% water reduction by residents. Lake Cachuma is currently less
than 40% capacity and lower water levels will result in emergency pumping of water to
the South Coast to maintain deliveries.

Furthermore, these extremely dry conditions and high temperatures in conjunction with
depleted water resources add significant risk for wildfire and the potential for dangerous
conditions that can threaten the safety of persons and property in the County.

Information on conservation efforts can be found at www.sbwater.org or
www.saveourh20.org.

Current and historic rainfall and reservoir conditions can be found at:
http://www.countyofsb.org/pwd/pwwater.aspx?id=3582

Some of the simple ways you can help conserve water may include: Watering your lawn one day a week less, limit the length of showers, turn tap water on only half way when using, water lawns in the morning when it isn't as hot so that water is used more efficiently.

For additional conservation tips visit: http://www.waterwisesb.org/brochures.aspx?id=616