The primary source of water for the South Coast, Cachuma Lake, is at 49% capacity as an annual water release begins.
The release takes place as part of a long-standing agreement to help downstream farmers in Santa Ynez, Solvang, Buellton and Lompoc.
As requested from the Bureau of Reclamation by the Santa Ynez Valley Water Conservation District, the release will go for about two months.
This is a low-flow release, and residents of the areas have come down to the river at several crossings with their rafts and dogs to enjoy the water in the current heat wave.
