Santa Margarita Lake
By KAREN VELIE
Because of a new state law, swimming and other forms of body-contact recreation are likely to be permitted at Santa Margarita Lake in mid-2027. San Luis Obispo County staff is working to address health, safety and operational requirements needed for the change.
On Aug. 31, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1253, which removed a longstanding state regulation.
While the county currently allows boats, kayaks and other water vessels, the new law opens new recreational opportunities, especially for those community members who do not have access to a boat.
“This is an exciting possibility for Santa Margarita Lake, but there is still a lot of work ahead of us,” said Public Works Director John Diodati, who is also overseeing the Parks and Recreation Department. “Protecting drinking water and public safety will remain our first priorities.”
I would be very concerned over the intent of this so-called State Law change. SLO County government gave away 200 acre-feet of water from this swim hole to be, water for the benefit of The Town of Santa Margarita, and now there are new consequences to consider. Personally, I’d hold back on promoting another local liability until all the consequences can be realized and mitigated elsewhere. Santa Margarita Lake is a gem, a quiet fishing, picnicking and camping lake, although I doo understand not wanting to swim in the ocean which has been routinely polluted by city growth.
Same should be true for lake Cachuma.