Cachuma Lake is a man-made reservoir located in Santa Barbara County, California. It was created in 1953 by the construction of Bradbury Dam on the Santa Ynez River. The lake primarily serves as a water supply for the Santa Ynez Valley, including the city of Santa Barbara. The hydrology of the lake is heavily influenced by rainfall and the surrounding mountains, which provide surface flow and snowpack. The lake also receives water from the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project. Agricultural uses in the Santa Ynez Valley rely heavily on the water supply from Cachuma Lake. The lake is also a popular recreational destination, offering camping, fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities.