Santa Clara Valley Water District calls for 10% voluntary water conservation

Date: June 12, 2007

SANTA CLARA COUNTY— The Santa Clara Valley Water District is urging county residents and businesses to voluntarily cut back their water use by 10 percent.

“Because of a prolonged dry winter and sudden reduction in water supply from the Delta, our reserves are being depleted at a faster rate than anticipated. By conserving water now residents and businesses will help ensure that there is enough water available at present and in the future,” said Tony Estremera, Chairman of the water district board of directors.

Delta delivers about half the county’s water supply. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) decision to cut back on state water deliveries to provide maximum protection for Delta smelt has created great uncertainty.

The water district offers several programs, services and rebates to help reduce water use. These include:

• Water-Wise House Call Program – A trained technician will visit your home and survey your sprinklers, showerheads, toilets etc. to show you where you can cut back. This service is offered at no charge.
• Landscape Programs -- We offer rebates and incentives on innovative technologies to make your irrigation systems more efficient. More than 50 percent of water-use in an average home is for landscaping. These programs are for residents and businesses.
• High-efficiency Clothes Washers – We offer rebates ranging from $100-$400 for new water-saving residential and commercial clothes washers.
• Educational Programs – The water district provides publications and CDs on low-water use plants and various other landscape related items.
• Conservation Hotline – To reach a team of experts to find out more, call the water district’s water-conservation hotline (408) 265-2607, ext. 2554, or visit our website www.valleywater.org.

For conservation tips visit www.valleywater.org

The Santa Clara Valley Water District manages the county’s major watersheds, including 10 reservoirs, more than 800 miles of streams and large groundwater basins. The water district also provides flood protection throughout Santa ClaraCounty.