Salinas River Flowing “Live Stream”

Author: public works
Date: 1/12/2023 11:23 AM

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY - On Dec. 13, 2022, at 7:24 a.m. and Sunday, Jan. 1 at 9:51 a.m., the County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department observed visible surface water flow in the Salinas River between the Salinas Reservoir Dam located in the community of Santa Margarita.

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

Under the provisions of the 1972 Live-Stream ruling by the State Water Resources Control Board, total inflow to the reservoir is released downstream until a live stream is observed in the Salinas River. The release is a provision of the Live-Stream ruling to protect downstream water rights.

Recent rainfall has created a natural live-stream flow in the Salinas River, therefore, the total inflow to the reservoir may be stored. See attached map.

According to County Public Works Water Systems Superintendent, Kyle James, “This season’s rainfall has completely filled the reservoir and water is spilling over the dam downstream.”

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

For questions regarding the Salinas River live stream, contact Public Works Utilities Division Program Manager, Laura Holder (805) 781-5135.  

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