Santa Ynez River Groundwater Basin Study - S.B. News Press (2019)

“Groundwater in some areas of the Santa Ynez River Valley is polluted, and a recent study suggests that septic tanks may be contributing to the contamination.

The study, which was overseen by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, found that all the subbasins in the area — including Lompoc, Santa Rita, and Santa Ynez — had wells with pollutant levels higher than benchmarks established for safe drinking water.

That discharging effluent from a septic tank into the ground affects groundwater may be obvious for some. Determining the effect of septic tanks on groundwater quality, however, is complicated by the fact that other factors — agricultural activity and rain — also play a role in the quality. . .” Click here to view the article.