News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Documents for the WaterWise Landscape Rebate Program

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: October 31, 2014

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review a draft Environmental Assessment for the Santa Barbara County Water Agency WaterWise Landscape Rebate Program which entails a $396,310 grant through the WaterSMART Program.

The Program would increase rebates for non-agricultural water users that implement a variety of landscape-related water efficient upgrades. The goal is to reduce the demand for water and energy and improve overall water-use efficiency. Participating service areas in Santa Barbara County include the City of Santa Barbara, Goleta Water District, Carpinteria Valley Water District, Vandenberg Village CSD, the City of Solvang, the City of Buellton, and the City of Lompoc.

WaterSMART is the U.S. Department of the Interior’s sustainable water initiative that uses the best available science to improve water conservation and help identify strategies to narrow the gap between supply and demand. Through WaterSMART grants, Reclamation provides half the cost-share funding to irrigation and water districts, tribes, states and other entities. You can learn more about WaterSMART at http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart.

The draft EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=19641. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Written comments must be received by close of business Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, and should be sent to Alexandra Aviles, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825 or emailed to aaviles@usbr.gov or faxed to 916-978-5055.

For additional information or to request a copy of the draft EA, please contact Aviles at 916-978-5056 (TTY 800-735-2929). Copies of the document may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Regional office at the above address.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Draft EA