drought

Officials say the city of Santa Barbara’s water supply is likely secure for several years after the storms in January refilled the Gibraltar Reservoir.

The American West is facing a water crisis made worse every year by climate change and drought. That’s posing an existential threat to agricultural economies across the region, especially in smaller cities and towns like Paso Robles.

Severe drought is causing California State Parks to implement water restrictions at Hearst Castle, though they say its iconic pools will remain full.

The California Groundwater Association encourages yearly well inspections for every well owner. But those in areas impacted by ongoing drought conditions should also test for things like water quality and levels.

The state is in its third year of harsh drought, and the Central Coast is particularly vulnerable. State officials announced new water bill use restrictions to try to address that, and San Luis Obispo County is preparing for a change in how much water we use.

In today's KCBX News Update, Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing funding to support what he calls a “creative climate solving hero” – the North American Beaver. And, a housing nonprofit has secured loans for new development in SLO County.

January through March of this year were the driest of those months on record in California. And March 2022 was both warmer and drier than March of 2020.

In today's KCBX News Update: There are changes this week at SLO County COVID testing sites, and Governor Newsom is urging water conservation as the state continues to experience drought.

It could rain this weekend in the Central Coast region, but local and state officials are urging water conservation anyway due to the drought emergency in California.

Early models indicate an atmospheric river could bring two to six inches of rain along the Central Coast Sunday into Monday.