East Garrison bridge
East Garrison Bridge

Salinas River Flowing “Live Stream”

Author: Laura Holder
Date: 1/24/2024 4:15:45 PM

SANTA MARGARITA, CA - On January 22, 2024, at 10:25 a.m., the County Public Works Department observed visible surface water flow (commonly referred to as a “Live Stream”) in the Salinas River between the Salinas Reservoir Dam (Santa Margarita Lake) located in the community of Santa Margarita to the Nacimiento River junction, located just north of the San Luis Obispo County line.

Because of this, the County has temporarily halted the release of inflow water from the reservoir.

Under the provisions of the 1972 “Live Stream” ruling by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), water inflow to the Salinas Reservoir shall be released downstream and not stored unless a “Live Stream” event is observed. The water currently flowing in the river is due to rainfall and not releases from the reservoir.

“The water flow in the Salinas River vividly illustrates and underscores the impact of the recent storm on our water systems,” said County Public Works Water Systems Superintendent Kyle James.

The Salinas Reservoir serves as one of the City of San Luis Obispo’s primary water supply sources.

When the “live stream” no longer exists, the County will resume releasing inflow water from the reservoir to the Salinas River.

For questions regarding the Salinas River “Live Stream”, please contact Public Works Utilities Division Program Manager, Laura Holder at (805) 781-5135.  

Please see map for location.

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