New law allows county to consider swimming at Santa Margarita Lake

A new California law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Aug. 31 will allow San Luis Obispo County to consider permitting swimming and other body-contact recreation at Santa Margarita Lake, also known as Salinas Reservoir, as early as summer 2027. Senate Bill 1253 removes a longstanding statewide restriction and makes the county responsible for deciding whether to lift the ban. While the law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, it does not automatically open the reservoir. County officials say multiple regulatory, financial, and operational questions remain, and approvals from the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water will be required, along with added water testing and reporting.