A group representing Lake Nacimiento property owners and recreational users is suing Monterey County over low lake levels.
The Nacimiento Regional Water Management Advisory Committee (NRWMAC) claims the Monterey County Water Resources Agency has mismanaged the lake and drained so much water that it’s become nearly unusable by property owners and visitors for recreation.
According to the complaint filed in San Luis Obispo Superior Court on Tuesday, this has caused a loss of property values.
NRWMAC is seeking at least $120 million in damages, plus attorneys fees and other fees related to the lawsuit. It’s also asking for an injunction to prevent the county from releasing so much water from the lake that it renders it unusable for recreational purposes.
KSBY News has reached out to Monterey County for comment.
In March 2018, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency told KSBY the purpose of the water releases at Lake Nacimiento was conservation and that they were required by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Previous coverage:
Rain comes as Lake Nacimiento sits at 11 percent capacity, area residents continue fight
