water supplies

The city issued an emergency "Do Not Drink" notice Monday after concerns that a key water tank had been contaminated.

City officials say an unknown substance may have been added to the city's water supply.

One of the big issues isn't the science. It's the perception, even though the water is purer than what comes out of most people's taps now.

Money will help some water systems link with their neighbors, to provide a backup for emergencies. Some small districts will get funding for critical upgrades.

The City of Santa Barbara is holding the event Thursday night to hear residents ideas and concerns.

The report says one key issue is inadequate power backup for some of the water purveyors in case utility service is disrupted.

Concern is that new pumping could overtax water basins, drying up community drinking water wells.