Drought: Learn rain barrel basics in SLO workshop

As California continues to grapple with the effects of historic drought throughout the state, the County of San Luis Obispo is inviting residents to learn more about rainwater harvesting and rain barrel installation.

“With severe drought persisting across the state and a still uncertain outlook for the coming winter, now is a great time to install a rain barrel,” said Kate Ballantyne, Deputy Director of County Public Works. “The county is pleased to be working with our local partners to encourage all forms of water conservation, as it’s unlikely a single rainy season will replenish our local reservoirs.”

California Coastal Commission unanimously rejects desalination plant

The California Coastal Commission rejected the proposed construction of a desalination plant in Huntington Beach. 

The Coastal Commission staff had advised the commission to deny approval — citing, among other factors, the high cost of the water and lack of local demand for it, the risks to marine life, and the possibility of flooding in the area as sea levels rise.

The unanimous decision sets a high bar for the future of turning seawater into drinking water in California. 

The plant would have sucked in nearly 107 million gallons of seawater and spit out 50 million gallons a day, enough to supply nearly 460,000 people in Orange County, which is home to about 3.2 million people. 

The developer of the proposed plant pushed back against criticism at the meeting and expressed disappointment in the decision.