Santa Barbara city water officials denied critics of the Botanic Garden’s expansion plans information regarding the adequacy of the city’s water supply near the Garden, citing homeland security issues. Since 9/11, federal laws prohibit local water agencies from releasing information about system vulnerabilities. Water officials say they’ve offered to show critics water maps and fire hydrant pressure studies, but refuse to give them information electronically. Water officials are currently responding to a request for information demand filed by the Garden’s neighbors.
