I’m writing to alert residents of the South County to an issue that has the possibility to result in both higher water rates and reduced water supply. In August, four environmental groups sued San Luis Obispo County over its operation of the Lopez Dam claiming potential harm to steelhead and other protected species. In December, a U.S. District Court found in favor of the plaintiffs and decreed in a preliminary injunction that the county must dramatically increase releases of water down the Arroyo Grande Creek. These releases began Jan. 15.
These are the issues:
Downstream releases were increased by 50 percent to a level beyond the sustainable supply of the Lopez Lake watershed. Models have shown that, had the proposed release schedule been in effect, Lopez Lake would have been drained in 2016 and 2021-22. Currently, we are in the midst of a La Niña event with only about 5 inches of rain since last July. This judgment has put us on the path to draining Lopez Lake, the South County’s main water supply.
This lawsuit threatens our water supply and more than 60 years of productive collaboration between Lopez water contractors (cities of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, and Pismo Beach, and the Oceano and Avila Beach community services districts), SLO County, and the agricultural community since the conception and construction of the Lopez dam began in the 1960s. During that time, we have protected both our water supply and protected threatened species with thoughtful and pragmatic management practices. If the plaintiffs prevail, we’ll be subject to outside agencies and groups dictating how we manage our water supply.
Defending this lawsuit is already resulting in the diversion of resources away from critical projects in both staff time and money. At the end of the day, South County ratepayers will foot the bill to fight this lawsuit, likely to the tune of millions of dollars. This will result in higher water rates.
I urge local residents to learn more and compel the elected leaders of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Oceano, and Avila Beach to come together in agreement that we must appeal this court decision and fight this lawsuit. Our water supply depends on it.
Brian Talley
Arroyo Grande
This article appears in Jan 23 – Feb 2, 2025.
Of course Mr. Tally is worried about the impact from a new water regime on his vast agricultural operations, a fact that is not mentioned in this opinion piece. What is also missing is an objective account of how for decades the County has dragged its feet and refused to manage water releases in a manner that strikes a balance between commercial and residential demands and the preservation of the critically endangered species that depend on that water.
The above comment insinuates being an ag grower is… a bad thing? I believe we should all care about the impact on ag in addition to our own water rates and uses.
It is understandable that Mr. Talley is soliciting support to fight a ruling that will affect his business interests. What is less clear are his claims in the line, “we have protected both our water supply and protected threatened species with thoughtful and pragmatic management practices.”
What have the Lopez water contractors ever done for the benefit of threatened species? This whole issue seems to stem from them not having a convincing answer to that question, as the law requires.