Recent rain fills up Loch Lomond Reservoir

For the first time in years Loch Lomond’s reservoir in Felton is spilling over and the reservoir is once again open to the public. The Santa Cruz Water Department said Loch Lomond is more than 100 percent full. Excellent news for folks in Santa Cruz who rely on the reservoir for drinking water.

“Things really changed around March, and we’ve had I think eight wet daysand just a whole lot of rainfall and run off which is good for plants,good for people, and good for the environment,” said Toby Goddard, with the Santa Cruz Water Department.

“This has been a heck of a March, in Santa Cruz alone we’ve had about 7inches of rain since the beginning of the month after a dry February,” said Goddard.

The Water Department is hopeful the city’s water restrictions can be lifted but said they won’t know for sure until April. Another plus to the rise in water levels is that folks can comeout and start fishing again. Dozens of fisherman were at Loch Lomond Monday hoping to catch trout, bass and blue gills.

“I haven’t been here in 2 decades. I just came out today to check it out and make sure it’s still full. And I bought a season pass today, going to bring my son up here tomorrow and go fishing,” said Santa Cruz County resident, Danny Froeming.

The reservoir wasn’t the only thing filling up. Fishing boats needed to be drained after all the rain this past weekend. Rangers said not to worry there are plenty of boats to go around.

“That’s the best feeling because my son has never been here, he’ll be nine in May, and I’ve been talking about this place for awhile with him so he’s going to be so excited to come up here tomorrow and see this place for the first time and being full like it is. This is a gem of Santa Cruz mountains, look at this place it’s just beautiful and it just continues every bend you go around,” said Froeming.

Loch Lomond’s Recreation Area will remain open through Labor Day, between 7 a.m. and sunset every day.

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The Loch Lomond Reservoir is at full capacity after the latest rain spell.

Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Lompico, the reservoir is even overflowing with water.

KION’s Brandon Castillo will have more on what this means for the community tonight.