, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1253 by Sen. John Laird, legislation that expands recreational access at Santa Margarita Lake in San Luis Obispo County while maintaining water quality protections, according to a press release. Paso Robles Daily News reported that new law expands recreational access at Santa Margarita Lake.

Laird reported that santa Margarita Lake is an incredible public resource, and advances in water treatment mean we can safely allow people to enjoy more of what the lake has to offer,. Laird reported that sB 1253 expands recreational opportunities for residents and visitors while maintaining the safeguards needed to protect our drinking water. I’m glad the Governor signed this reasonable measure into law. San Luis reported that sB 1253 is a win for our community,.

San Luis reported that it expands recreational opportunities at Santa Margarita Lake while protecting the water supply we all depend on. I appreciate Senator Laird’s leadership and partnership in getting this done.

The legislation requires local officials to continue monitoring and treating the water to meet state health standards. The City of San Luis Obispo will continue using microfiltration and disinfection to treat the water, with oversight from the State Water Resources Control Board. Similar recreational access is already allowed at other California drinking water reservoirs, including Sly Park Reservoir and Lake Nacimiento. Expanded access at Santa Margarita Lake is also expected to support recreation, conservation, local businesses, and regional tourism.

Senate Bill 1253 requires San Luis Obispo County to report on recreational use and water quality impacts and includes a Jan. 1, 2032, sunset date. Senate Bill 1253 takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Estimates indicated that sen. John Laird represents the 17th Senate District, which includes all of Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties, and a majority of San Luis Obispo County. More information about Laird is available through his Senate biography.

Reports differed on the location. Laird said, “Santa Margarita Lake is an incredible public resource, and advances in water treatment mean we can safely allow people to enjoy more of what the lake has to offer,”.

Expanded access will include paddleboarding, windsurfing, and water access from the beach or shore. Advances in water treatment and monitoring will allow additional activities, including swimming, paddleboarding, windsurfing, sail or foil boarding, water access from the beach or shore, and body-contact fishing.

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