March 14, 2023

Valley Water’s Emergency Operations Center remains open to monitor the conditions of our waterways and reservoirs. According to the National Weather Service, the atmospheric river storm brought less rain totals than predicted.

Visit Valley Water’s ALERT (Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time) system for information on levels of streams and reservoirs and precipitation gauges. You can find the latest flood tips at valleywater.org/floodready.

March 13, 2023

The National Weather Service forecasts an atmospheric river to hit Santa Clara County early Tuesday morning. A flood watch and high wind warning will be in effect starting at 11 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Wednesday. Valley Water will continue to closely monitor the incoming storms and the potential impacts to our waterways.

For updates on the weather forecast, please visit the National Weather Service website.

Valley Water encourages you to be prepared for flooding. Don’t wait until the storm is already here to take actions that could make a difference in an emergency. Sign up for emergency alerts, have an emergency plan and know where to get sandbags. Here are some resources that can help:

• To learn if your home or business is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, visit valleywater.org/floodzone
• Free, filled sandbags are available for Santa Clara County residents. Our sites are listed HERE.
• Santa Clara County emergency alert system AlertSCC provides up-to-date information on emergencies and disasters in your area.
• Valley Water’s ALERT (Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time) system provides information on levels of streams and reservoirs and precipitation gauges.
• Spills, blockages, or dumping in creeks can be reported by calling Valley Water’s watershed hotline at 408-630-2378.
• More flood safety tips and resources are available at valleywater.org/floodready. This page includes an informational Get Flood Ready mailer in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.

March 10, 2023

The National Weather Service expects more storms to impact our area next week. Valley Water will continue to closely monitor the incoming storms and the potential impacts to our waterways.

For updates on the weather forecast, please visit the National Weather Service website.

For information on how to Get Flood Ready visit valleywater.org/are-you-flood-ready.

March 10, 2023

SAN JOSE – Valley Water CEO Rick Callender signed a flood emergency declaration that allows Valley Water to take immediate actions necessary to help protect public life and property from flooding and high winds in Santa Clara County and throughout Valley Water’s jurisdiction.

In response to the atmospheric river that hit the Bay Area Thursday afternoon, Valley Water activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor the storm and the impacts to our reservoirs and waterways. Gusty winds and heavy rain might continue impacting our region into the weekend.

Read the declaration here.

March 8, 2023

The National Weather Service is expecting an atmospheric river to impact the area late this week and into the weekend. The storm is forecast to increase the potential for gusty winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rain from late Thursday into Friday. The rain might continue impacting the area into the weekend. As we’ve seen over the past few months, these atmospheric rivers can cause flooding concerns. However, Valley Water is not expecting flooding from creeks at this time unless conditions change.

Valley Water encourages you to be prepared for flooding. Don’t wait until the storm is already here to take actions that could make a difference in an emergency. Sign up for emergency alerts, have an emergency plan and know where to get sandbags. Here are some resources that can help:

 

• To learn if your home or business is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, visit valleywater.org/floodzone
• Free, filled sandbags are available for Santa Clara County residents. Our sites are listed HERE.
• Santa Clara County emergency alert system AlertSCC provides up-to-date information on emergencies and disasters in your area.
• Valley Water’s ALERT (Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time) system provides information on levels of streams and reservoirs and precipitation gauges.
• Spills, blockages, or dumping in creeks can be reported by calling Valley Water’s watershed hotline at 408-630-2378.
• More flood safety tips and resources are available at valleywater.org/floodready. This page includes an informational Get Flood Ready mailer in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.

 

Jan. 16, 2023

Late last week, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the Bay Area beginning Jan. 14 at 4 a.m. through Jan. 16, with multiple rounds of rain over the weekend. Some of the steadier rain overnight Sunday into Monday morning caused localized flooding across Santa Clara County, and the weather service extended the flood watch through midnight Monday.

As of 8 a.m. Monday, waterways across Santa Clara County were receding. Valley Water continues to monitor creeks, streams and rivers throughout Santa Clara County for potential flooding impacts. Our agency remains in close communication with the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management, our city partners and the National Weather Service throughout this series of storms.

Overnight Sunday, Valley Water had teams monitoring in-person some of the waterways of concern. Valley Water crews also worked overnight to clear debris, downed trees and blockages in our creeks and rivers. This work improves the flow of waterways and reduces the risk of flooding.

This series of atmospheric storms over the past few weeks filled many Valley Water reservoirs, and as of Monday morning four of our reservoirs were spilling, including Uvas, Coyote, Almaden and Lexington. The spillways are functioning as designed, and we don’t anticipate flooding concerns from water flowing down the spillways and into waterways.

Valley Water encourages you to be prepared for flooding. Sign up for emergency alerts, have an emergency plan and know where you can get sandbags. Here are some resources that can help.

• Free, filled sandbags are available for Santa Clara County residents. Our sites are stocked, and we have additional deliveries scheduled on Monday, Jan. 16. Valley Water has distributed 120,000 thousand filled-sandbags at our locations across the county. Our sites are listed at www.valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/sandbags.
• Santa Clara County emergency alert system provides up-to-date information on emergencies and disasters in your area. Learn more at emergencymanagement.sccgov.org/AlertSCC
• Valley Water’s ALERT (Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time) system provides information on levels of streams and reservoirs and precipitation gauges. You can view it at valleywater.org/your-water/alert-system-real-time-data
• Spills, blockages, or dumping in creeks can be reported by calling Valley Water’s watershed hotline at 408-630-2378.
• To learn if your home or business is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, visit valleywater.org/floodzone.
• More flood safety tips and resources are available at valleywater.org/floodready. This page includes an informational Get Flood Ready mailer in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.

To help us respond to these storms and flooding concerns, the Valley Water Board of Directors voted on Jan. 10 to extend a countywide flood emergency declaration first signed by CEO Rick Callender on Jan. 4. This action continues to provide Valley Water the legal authority to take quick, emergency action necessary to preserve life and property in Santa Clara County.

 

Jan. 13, 2023

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the Bay Area beginning Jan. 14 at 4 a.m. through Jan. 16, stating that multiple rounds of rain are expected. The weather service indicates these storms will bring moderate to heavy rainfall between Saturday and Monday.

As we’ve seen over the past few weeks, these atmospheric rivers can cause localized flooding. While we expect this next round of storms to be mainly beneficial to continue filling our reservoirs, some of our waterways could reach a flood monitoring stage. If flooding occurs, Valley Water anticipates it will be localized.

Valley Water encourages you to be prepared for flooding. Don’t wait until the storm is already here to take actions that could make a difference in an emergency. Sign up for emergency alerts, have an emergency plan and know where you can get sandbags. Here are some resources that can help.

• To learn if your home or business is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, visit valleywater.org/floodzone.
• Free, filled sandbags are available for Santa Clara County residents. Valley Water employees have worked around the clock to meet the county’s high demand during this series of storms. Our sites are stocked, and we have additional supplies ready if needed. Valley Water has distributed 120,000 thousand filled-sandbags at our locations across the county. Our sites are listed HERE.
• Santa Clara County emergency alert system AlertSCC provides up-to-date information on emergencies and disasters in your area. 
• Valley Water’s ALERT (Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time) system provides information on levels of streams and reservoirs and precipitation gauges. Valley Water employees are working non-stop to ensure our waterways remain clear of debris and blockages. Our agency has removed or relocated debris from about 200 locations during this series of storms. This work improves the flow of the waterway for future storms and reduces the risk of flooding.
• Spills, blockages, or dumping in creeks can be reported by calling Valley Water’s watershed hotline at 408-630-2378.
• More flood safety tips and resources are available at valleywater.org/floodready. This page includes an informational Get Flood Ready mailer in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Valley Water’s Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor these storms. And earlier this week, Valley Water’s Board of Directors voted to extend a countywide flood emergency declaration first signed by CEO Rick Callender on Jan. 4. This action continues to provide Valley Water the legal authority to take quick, emergency action necessary to preserve life and property in Santa Clara County.

 

Jan. 11, 2023

The Valley Water Board of Directors voted Tuesday to extend a countywide flood emergency declaration first signed by CEO Rick Callender on Jan. 4, 2023.

Due to recent heavy rainfall over the past several days and additional storms in the forecast, countywide flood emergency conditions continue to exist. 

The Board’s decision to extend the declaration continues to provide Valley Water the legal authority to take quick, emergency action necessary to preserve life and property in Santa Clara County.

“This series of atmospheric rivers has greatly impacted Santa Clara County,” Valley Water Chair John L. Varela said. “Thanks to this emergency declaration being put in place before the extreme weather arrived, Valley Water did important work in our waterways that cleared out blockages and removed debris, downed trees and sediment so water could flow freely in our rivers.”

According to state law, for the emergency action to remain in place, the Board of Directors must do the following:

• Agree by a four-fifths vote to extend the declaration at every regularly scheduled Board meeting until the emergency action is terminated.
• Determine that there is a need to continue the emergency action

On Dec. 31, 2022, Valley Water activated its Emergency Operations Center due to heavy rainfall and flooding and provided relief operations throughout the county. As a result of a series of atmospheric rivers, localized flooding occurred along San Francisquito Creek, Upper Penitencia Creek, West Little Llagas Creek and Uvas Creek. 

Valley Water’s stream, reservoir and precipitation gauges can be found here: https://valleywateralert.org/scvwd/index.php

Jan. 10, 2023

Valley Water’s Emergency Operations Center remains open to monitor the conditions of waterways and reservoirs in Santa Clara County. More wet weather is expected this week into the weekend.

Valley Water’s sandbag locations are fully stocked. You can find a location near you here: https://www.valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/sandbags

Follow these Get Flood Ready tips to keep your family, home, and business safe and prepared BEFORE an emergency: https://www.valleywater.org/are-you-flood-ready

Jan. 9, 2023

While we are seeing a break this afternoon, Santa Clara County is expected to see a weaker storm begin around 10:00 p.m. Monday with a chance of isolated thunderstorms that could produce heavy rainfall. Valley Water Emergency Operations Center remains active to closely monitor the storm and potential flooding.

We continue to watch hot spots affected by this morning’s storm including Guadalupe River at West Alma Avenue in San Jose where water is currently receding. Flooding is occurring on Highway 101 at Uvas Creek, but water is starting to recede.

As a reminder, the National Weather Service has Santa Clara County under a flood watch through January 10. Stay up to date on flood alerts at https://www.weather.gov/mtr.

On Jan. 4, 2023, Valley Water declared a countywide flood emergency, a move that allows our agency to take immediate actions necessary to help protect public life and property from flooding and high winds in Santa Clara County. Valley Water’s Board of Directors will consider extending this emergency at their meeting on Jan. 10.

We remind people to be flood ready. Find out if you live in a flood zone, sign up for emergency alerts and develop an emergency plan at www.valleywater.org/floodready.

Valley Water has distributed more than 100,000 sandbags this rainy season. Our locations are stocked and ready for people who need sandbags. Find a sandbag location here: www.valleywater.org/sandbags.

Jan. 8, 2023

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Guadalupe River above Almaden Expressway in San Jose. Minor to Moderate flooding is forecast.

If Guadalupe River reaches Minor Flood Stage (9.5 feet):

• River begins to overtop upstream of Alma Avenue Bridge into the Elks Lodge property.

If Guadalupe River reaches Moderate Flood Stage (11.5 feet):

• River continues to overtop upstream of Alma Avenue Bridge into the Elks Lodge property, spilling north along Lelong Street.
• Alma Avenue/CA87 viaduct is flooded.
• Creek overbanks west near Minnesota Avenue downstream of Alma Avenue.
• Properties south of the old UPRR alignment in the Northern Cross Neighborhood are also at risk.
• Thousand Oaks Park at risk of flooding.

You can see the current Guadalupe River levels using the stream gage here: https://alert.valleywater.org/map?p=sensor&sid=5023.2&disc=f

You can find emergency notifications, evacuation and warming center information and other safety tools and tips from the City of San Jose here: www.sanjoseca.gov/news-stories/news/emergency-notifications?utm_source=WEA#!/

Jan. 8, 2023

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch in Santa Clara County through January 10. Moderate to heavy rain, potential widespread flooding and strong winds could threaten lives and property.

Valley Water’s Emergency Operations Center remains active and will closely monitor the storms and potential flooding. Valley Water remains in regular communication with the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management, cities and other agencies across the county.

Potential flooding hot spots include, but are not limited to:

• Uvas Creek, with the potential for flooding of Highway 101 south of 10th Street in Gilroy and the area of the Gilroy Sports Park.
• San Francisquito Creek in Palo Alto upstream of Hwy 101.
• Ross Creek at Cherry Avenue in San Jose.
• Upper Penitencia Creek at Mabury and King roads in San Jose.
• Guadalupe River at West Alma Avenue in San Jose.
• Sunnyvale East Channel at Tasman Drive in Sunnyvale.
• West Little Llagas Creek in Morgan Hill. 

On Jan. 4, 2023, Valley Water declared a countywide flood emergency, a move that allows our agency to take immediate actions necessary to help protect public life and property from flooding and high winds in Santa Clara County. Valley Water’s Board of Directors will consider extending this emergency at their meeting on Jan. 10.

We remind people to be flood ready. Find out if you live in a flood zone, sign up for emergency alerts and develop an emergency plan at www.valleywater.org/floodready.

Valley Water has distributed more than 100,000 sandbags this rainy season. Our locations are stocked and ready for people who need sandbags. Find a sandbag location here: www.valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/sandbags

Jan. 6, 2023

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the Bay Area from Jan. 7 through Jan. 10, stating that multiple rounds of rain are expected to begin Saturday afternoon and last through Tuesday.

The weather service indicates the hazards associated with these storms include “widespread flooding, damaging winds, and dangerous beach and marine conditions.” The weather service describes the weekend storm as a moderate-strength system, and the storm Monday and Tuesday as a stronger system with heavier rainfall.

On Jan. 4, 2023, Valley Water declared a countywide flood emergency, a move that allows our agency to take immediate actions necessary to help protect public life and property from flooding and high winds in Santa Clara County. The Valley Water Board of Directors will consider extending this emergency at our meeting on Jan. 10.

Valley Water activated its Emergency Operations Center earlier this week to monitor the series of storms. Valley Water remains in regular communication with the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management, cities and other agencies across the county.

Valley Water continues to closely monitor the storms and potential flooding. Valley Water encourages you to be prepared for flooding and take these steps.

• To learn if your home or business is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, please visit our valleywater.org/floodzone.
• Free, filled sandbags are available for residents of Santa Clara County. There is high demand, but Valley Water has replenished supplies at our sites, listed HERE.
• Santa Clara County emergency alert system AlertSCC provides up-to-date information on emergencies and disasters in your area. 
• Valley Water’s ALERT (Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time) system provides information on levels of streams and reservoirs and precipitation gauges.
• Spills, blockages, or dumping in creeks can be reported by calling Valley Water’s watershed hotline at 408-630-2378.
• More flood safety tips and resources are available at valleywater.org/floodready.

Valley Water employees are working non-stop to ensure our waterways remain clear of debris and blockages. Our agency owns and manages 294 miles of the more than 800 miles of creeks in the county. Valley Water crews are working tirelessly to check areas of creeks and streams throughout the county and clear any debris they find. This work has been taking place this entire rainy season and has ramped up since before the New Year’s Eve storm.

The weather service also said subsequent weather systems will bring additional rain mid-to-late next week. For updates on the weather forecast, please visit the National Weather Service website.

 

 

Jan. 5, 2023

The Valley Water Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the current storm.

Valley Water CEO Rick Callender signed a flood emergency declaration Wednesday afternoon. See the signed declaration here.

Valley Water staff worked overnight Wednesday to monitor stream flows, water levels and areas of concern. Valley Water crews worked around the clock to clean and remove debris from various waterways. Since Wednesday evening, five waterways reached the flood monitoring stage and quickly receded with no flooding impacts. Those included:

• Guadalupe River at West Alma Avenue in San Jose
• Ross Creek at Cherry Avenue in San Jose
• Berryessa Creek at Cropley Avenue and Piedmont Road in San Jose
• Coyote Creek at Berryessa Road in San Jose
• Sunnyvale East Channel at Tasman Drive in Sunnyvale

The demand for sandbags at our sites remains high and Valley Water is prioritizing our sand and sandbag delivery. Staff worked tirelessly Wednesday to fill sandbags and meet the increased demand. Overnight, 60 tons of sand was delivered to various locations, including one at 12:50 a.m. Crews also monitored the sandbag locations.

Leading up to the Dec. 31 storm and through the storm on Jan. 4-5, about 22,300 filled sandbags were distributed throughout the county. For this entire rainy season, more than 65,000 filled bags have been distributed. With more storms on the horizon, Valley Water is working to keep these sandbag locations stocked.

Valley Water had teams in the field overnight Wednesday monitoring waterways in-person. Three of these two-person teams remained in the field until Thursday at 5:30 a.m.

Valley Water is continuing its EOC operations Thursday and monitoring current conditions.

 

Jan. 4, 2023

Valley Water declares countywide flood emergency

SAN JOSE – Valley Water CEO Rick Callender signed a countywide flood emergency declaration on Jan 4, 2023, a move that allows Valley Water to take immediate actions necessary to help protect public life and property from flooding and high winds in Santa Clara County.

On Dec. 31, 2022, Valley Water activated its Emergency Operations Center due to heavy rainfall and flooding and provided relief operations throughout the county.  Localized flooding occurred along San Francisquito Creek, Upper Penitencia Creek, West Little Llagas Creek and Uvas Creek.  Uvas Reservoir spilled and is still spilling.  Spilling has also occurred in Almaden Reservoir.

Valley Water again activated its Emergency Operations Center earlier this week to monitor the Jan. 4-5 storm and its impacts to our reservoirs and waterways.  Due to the Dec. 31 atmospheric river, and current forecasted heavy, persistent rainfall with extremely high winds, flooding and rapid accumulation of sedimentation and debris are expected along creeks throughout Santa Clara County by Wednesday night and Thursday morning.  There may also be further flooding in the following days.

This declaration of a countywide flood emergency provides Valley Water the legal authority to take quick, emergency action necessary to preserve life and property in Santa Clara County.

Read the declaration here 

Jan. 4, 2023

There is high demand at Valley Water’s sandbag locations. Our agency is restocking supplies at its sandbag locations countywide, with scheduled dropoffs on January 4 and 5. Some sites do not have pre-filled sandbags. If you plan to pick up sandbags, please bring a shovel and, if possible, someone to help fill bags and carry them to your vehicle.

Sandbag locations

• Alviso: 5030 N 1st St., located behind George Mayne Elementary School, entrance on Wilson Way behind school
• Palo Alto: 1925 Embarcadero Road, adjacent to Palo Alto Air Terminal
• San Jose: City Central Service Yard, 1661 Senter Road at Phelan Ave., San Jose, CA 95122 
• San Jose: Santa Clara Valley Water District Winfield Warehouse, Winfield Boulevard between Blossom Hill Road and Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95123
• Morgan Hill: El Toro Fire Station, 18300 Old Monterey Road

For more information, visit valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/sandbags

Jan. 3, 2023

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the Bay Area on Jan. 4 and 5, stating that “a strong storm system & atmospheric river will bring widespread moderate to heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region from Wednesday and Thursday. This will increase the threat for widespread flooding and wind damage across the Bay Area & Central Coast.” 

Valley Water is closely monitoring the storms and has activated its Emergency Operations Center to better monitor the storm and its impacts to our reservoirs and waterways. Valley Water remains in regular communication with the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management, cities and other agencies across the county.

The weather service also said subsequent weather systems will bring additional precipitation and periods of stronger winds this weekend and into at least early next week.

For updates on the weather forecast, please visit the National Weather Service website.

For information on how to Get Flood Ready go to valleywater.org/are-you-flood-ready.

Dec. 31, 2022

Valley Water is monitoring San Francisquito Creek, Uvas Reservoir, Guadalupe River and other areas across Santa Clara County. Valley Water continues to work with our city and county partners. For more information about flood-related watches and warnings, please visit the National Weather Service Bay Area website.

Below are essential resources for flood preparedness:

• Santa Clara County emergency alert system AlertSCC provides up-to-date information on emergencies and disasters in your area. 
• Valley Water’s ALERT (Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time) system provides information on levels of streams and reservoirs and precipitation gauges.
   
• Free, filled sandbags are available for residents of Santa Clara County. The sandbag sites are listed HERE.
   
• Spills, blockages, or dumping in creeks can be reported by calling Valley Water’s watershed hotline at 408-630-2378.
   
• More flood safety tips and resources are available at valleywater.org/floodready.

Dec. 31, 2022

NWS FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 245 PM FOR SAN FRANCISQUITO CREEK. Urban area and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. Locations that will experience flooding: Palo Alto, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Atherton, Stanford, Portola Valley, West Menlo Park.

Here is a link to monitor discharge https://on.doi.gov/3WAjyfC. Map of location: https://bit.ly/3Gax4PM Valley Water's sandbag locations open: https://bit.ly/3WXcrO8

For more information, please read our winter preparation flood mailer related to San Francisquito Creek.

Dec. 23, 2022

The National Weather Service is forecasting much-needed rain across the Bay Area for the end of December.

While Santa Clara County remains in a drought emergency, we must be prepared for the potential of flooding this winter because it can flood anytime it rains. To learn if your home or business is in a Special Flood Hazard Area and how you can take proper precautions, please visit valleywater.org/floodready. You can also find flood safety tips, sandbag locations and other resources.  

Dec. 13, 2022

Thank you to everyone in Santa Clara County for saying YES to saving water. In the latest drought report, countywide water savings was 16% in October 2022 compared to October 2019, meeting the Board of Directors’ monthly goal. This is the third time in the past four months that Santa Clara County has exceeded the goal.

Valley Water is asking everyone to make a difference in their community and say YES to saving water. Find water conservation tips, tools, programs and rebates at watersavings.org.   

Dec. 9, 2022

The National Weather Service is forecasting a storm Saturday that could produce as much as 1.5 inches of rain across Santa Clara County. This storm comes on the heels of much-needed rain over the past few weeks.

Valley Water is not expecting any significant impacts from the storm. Valley Water's Emergency Operations Center will be activated in monitoring mode throughout the weekend.

Our employees are working hard to ensure our waterways remain clear of debris and blockages. Valley Water owns and manages 294 miles of the more than 800 miles of creeks in the county. Valley Water regularly inspects streams and bank conditions, and our crews have been cleaning out areas of creeks that are known hot spots for vegetation and debris buildup. These areas were checked and cleaned following the storm last week. Our employees will continue to clean out waterways throughout the winter. To report issues in creeks, call 1-408-630-2378 or visit our website at valleywater.org.

Residents and businesses can also take steps to be flood ready. Please visit our website at valleywater.org/floodready/ for flood safety tips, sandbag locations and other resources.

Dec. 1, 2022

As we continue to see rainfall today, please remember to turn off your sprinklers. Valley Water's enforcement ordinance prohibits the watering of outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours of rainfall. Learn more at watersavings.org. 

Although we are experiencing a severe drought emergency, we must be prepared for the potential of flooding this winter. Please be aware if your home or business is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. We advise you to take the proper precautions for future storms. Visit valleywater.org/floodready to learn more. 

Nov. 16, 2022

Thank you to everyone in Santa Clara County for saying YES to saving water. In the latest drought report, countywide water savings was 13% in September 2022 compared to September 2019. While that falls short of our Board of Directors’ monthly goal of 15%, it still shows significant savings compared to September of last year. Santa Clara County had a 16% water savings in July and August.  

Valley Water is asking everyone to make a difference in their community and say YES to saving water. Find water conservation tips, tools, programs and rebates at watersavings.org.   

Oct. 14, 2022

Thank you to everyone in Santa Clara County for saying YES to saving water. In the latest drought report for August, countywide water savings was 16% in August 2022 compared to August 2019, meeting the Board of Directors’ monthly goal. This follows July’s water savings, also 16%.

Valley Water is asking everyone to make a difference in their community and say YES to saving water. Find water conservation tips, tools, programs and rebates at watersavings.org.   

Sept. 30, 2022

Thank you to everyone in Santa Clara County for saying YES to saving water. In the latest drought report for July, countywide water savings was 16% in July 2022 compared to July 2019, meeting the Board of Directors' monthly goal.

Valley Water is asking everyone to make a difference in their community and say YES to saving water. Find water conservation tips, tools, programs and rebates at watersavings.org.   

Aug. 17, 2022

Water savings in Santa Clara County is trending in the right direction with water use down in June compared to May. Countywide water savings was 9% in June 2022 compared to June 2019. To see the full August drought report, go to beheard.valleywater.org/drought-information.

Valley Water is asking everyone to make a difference in their community and “Say Yes to Saving Water.” Find water conservation tips, tools, programs and rebates at watersavings.org.  

 

July 19, 2022

Water savings in the county is trending in the right direction with water savings in May greater than in April. Countywide water savings was 2% in May 2022 compared to May 2019. To see the full July drought report go to beheard.valleywater.org/drought-information.

Valley Water is asking everyone to “Say Yes to Saving Water.” Find water conservation tips, tools, programs and rebates at watersavings.org.  

 

June 10, 2022

Santa Clara County is enduring a third consecutive year of drought with record-dry conditions in 2022. Our water supplies are in jeopardy, especially if next winter is also dry. We must reduce our water use immediately to ensure we have enough safe, clean drinking water in the future.

To help meet our conservation goals and address this drought emergency, Valley Water’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a program to enforce the restrictions on outdoor watering in Santa Clara County, which includes the potential for fines.  

The enforcement program would impose restrictions on outdoor water use by residents and businesses, and includes fines for those who ignore repeated notices to correct violations. The prohibitions apply to properties in Santa Clara County that receive water supplied by Valley Water directly or indirectly.

This program went into effect June 1, 2022, and enforces Valley Water’s restriction by encouraging the public to report the following instances of water waste to Valley Water:

• Watering ornamental lawns more than two days a week.
• Watering any outdoor landscape between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Any outdoor watering that results in excessive runoff onto adjacent properties, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures.
• Watering outdoors during and within 48 hours of a storm that produces at least one-quarter of an inch of rain.

Our enforcement program will complement the existing enforcement programs of our water retailers. You can find your water retailer by visiting the Valley Water website. This enforcement program does not apply to sports fields and grass areas that are regularly used for recreational, school, civic and community events.  

To report water waste you can:

1. Download our Access Valley Water app or go to Access Valley Water and select the "Conserve Water & Save with Rebates" category, or search "water waste" in the search bar.
2. Call (408) 630-2000
3. Email [email protected]

Please include photos, cross-streets, and landmarks with water waste reports whenever possible.

 

May 13, 2022

Santa Clara County is in a severe drought emergency. Valley Water is sending text messages to everyone urging people to say “yes” to saving water. For helpful tips, tools and rebates, visit watersavings.org.

May 11, 2022

With the driest start to the year on record, water savings in Santa Clara County have trended in the wrong direction in 2022. Santa Clara County met the Board’s call of a 15% reduction in water use in October and November 2021 compared to 2019. But February and March of 2022 have seen 23% and 30% increases.

In April 2022, the Board of Directors responded with a unanimous vote to restrict outdoor watering to no more than two days a week. Recommendations for enforcing these restrictions with financial penalties for those who do not comply via an ordinance are being developed for Board approval in late May.  

Valley Water continues to encourage our communities to keep conserving water. Valley Water offers tips, tools and rebates to help you reduce water use and protect our water supply. Find out more at watersavings.org.

 

April 20, 2022

Santa Clara County and much of California are enduring a third year of drought. The region and state experienced the driest January through March on record, further threatening our water supplies.

State and local reservoir levels are well below normal. The snowpack measured on April 1 in the Sierra Nevada was the fifth smallest on record, which significantly impacts the amount of imported water Santa Clara County will receive this year.

Because of these conditions, the Valley Water Board of Directors unanimously voted on April 13, 2022, to restrict the watering of lawns and ornamental landscapes in Santa Clara to no more than two days a week. The Board of Directors also voted to prohibit watering during the warmest parts of the day (for example, no irrigation between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.)

By watering at night and in the early morning, there will be a decreased chance of losing water to evaporation, especially during hot afternoons in the summer and fall.

Typically, outdoor water use represents about half of household water use. Valley Water believes Santa Clara County can achieve a 15% reduction this year if everyone limits outdoor watering to no more than twice a week.

Valley Water, as a countywide wholesale water and groundwater management agency, relies on local retailers (municipalities such as the City of Sunnyvale and private companies such as San Jose Water) to deliver water to homes and businesses throughout the county. You can find your water retailer here.

 

 

Feb. 9, 2022

Santa Clara County saw one of the driest stretches of weather on record in January and into February of 2022. This is impacting the local and state water supply, even after a great start to our wet season.

This is a reminder that we remain in a severe drought and a dry spring could put our water supplies at greater risk.   

That’s why we continue to encourage our communities to keep conserving water. Valley Water offers tips, tools and rebates to help you make a difference by conserving water and helping protect our water supply. Find out more at watersavings.org.

In December 2021, Santa Clara County had the sixth-lowest water-use December since 1995. However, water use was still up 3% compared to December 2019, which was the third-lowest water use month since 1995. This follows two consecutive months of Santa Clara County exceeding Valley Water’s Board of Director’s goal of 15% water-use reduction compared to 2019. We thank those who continue to conserve water during this severe drought.

 

Jan. 19, 2022 

Santa Clara County and California saw record levels of rain and snow in December. This is a great start to our wet season; however, we remain in a severe drought. 2022 has been dry and we don’t know what to expect for the next few months.

That’s why we continue to encourage our communities to keep up the great work conserving water. Valley Water offers tips, tools and rebates to help you make a difference by conserving water and helping protect our water supply. Find out more at watersavings.org.

In November, Santa Clara County exceeded Valley Water’s call to reduce water use by 15% compared to 2019. Valley Water’s retailers reported a 20% water use reduction in November 2021 compared to November 2019. This follows a 16% water use reduction in October. We thank jurisdictions and the community for helping us achieve the goal.

 

Dec. 13, 2021 

After months of progress, Santa Clara County met Valley Water’s call to reduce water use by 15% compared to 2019. Valley Water’s retailers used 16% less water in October 2021 compared to October 2019. We thank jurisdictions and the community for helping us achieve the goal of a 15% reduction in water use countywide.

Valley Water anticipates that consistently maintaining a 15% reduction in water use each month will be challenging. We encourage our communities to keep up the great work in using less water during this extreme drought.

One of the easiest ways to save water is by turning off all outdoor irrigation when it rains. Valley Water also offers tips, tools and rebates to help you make small and big changes that can make a difference and help protect our water supply. Find out more at watersavings.org.

 

Nov. 16, 2021 

Santa Clara County used 7% less water in Sept. 2021 compared to Sept. 2019. While this is progress, more water conservation is needed to meet the Valley Water Board of Director’s call for a 15% reduction in water use.

One of the easiest ways to save water is by turning off all outdoor irrigation when it rains. Valley Water also offers tips, tools and rebates to help you make small and big changes that can make a difference and help protect our water supply. Find out more at watersavings.org.

Oct. 21, 2021

Valley Water Board Chair Tony Estremera statement on upcoming weekend storms and continued drought

As this weekend’s storms approach, my fellow Board Members and I would like to remind Santa Clara County that we will continue to be in a drought emergency once the storm passes. While some parts of Santa Clara County may see significant rainfall totals, it is not nearly enough to end the drought.

We must continue to conserve water whenever possible.

We’re all looking forward to receiving the much-needed rain. However, for the drought to end, our region would need several more storms to fill our local reservoirs and produce enough snowpack in the Sierra Nevada to fill state and federal reservoirs. These reservoirs, along with ongoing snowmelt and runoff through the summer, provide Santa Clara County with about half of our yearly water supply.

With this early-season rain, we’d like to remind residents to turn off their sprinklers for the rest of the week. And as we approach the winter months, please dial-back your watering schedule as plants don’t need as much water in cooler weather.

We’d like to thank the Santa Clara community for continuing to reduce their water use over the course of the last several months. While we’ve made great progress in this effort, we still have work to do.

Conservation is just one tool we are using to contend with drought. Valley Water is leading the way out of drought through technology. One solution we must take advantage of is expanding our use of purified water, a drought-resilient and locally controlled source.

Although we are experiencing a drought emergency, we must be prepared for the potential of flooding this winter. As we continue into the wet season, please be aware if your home or business is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. We advise you to take the proper precautions for future storms.

For conservation tips, tools, and rebates visit watersavings.org.

To find out if your home or business is in a Special Flood Hazard Area visit valleywater.org/floodready.

 

 

Sept. 29, 2021

Santa Clara County is in an extreme and exceptional drought and Valley Water can help you save water. Please check out our BeHeard Drought and Water Conservation | Be Heard Valley Water page to get updated information on water conservation tips, Valley Water’s rebate programs, information about your drought retailer and frequently asked questions.

 

July 8, 2021

Valley Water Board Chair Tony Estremera statement on Gov. Newsom's drought declaration for Santa Clara County

Today’s action by Gov. Gavin Newsom to include Santa Clara County in the state’s drought emergency proclamation underscores the serious threats facing our region’s water supply.

I would like to thank Gov. Newsom for his leadership in making this declaration as our county contends with a water shortage emergency condition. The declaration by Gov. Newsom ensures that state agencies are empowered to facilitate critical water transfers and exchanges necessary to continue a reliable water supply for the 2 million people and thousands of Silicon Valley businesses in Santa Clara County.

On June 9, our Board declared a water shortage emergency condition, one of the strongest actions we can take. While we celebrated the groundbreaking of the Anderson Dam project this week, we know our largest drinking water reservoir will be out of service for 10 years. If the drought continues into next year, we could face the possibility there will not be enough water to meet basic demands without serious risk of subsidence in 2022.

Valley Water is doing everything we can to ensure we can provide safe, clean water to Santa Clara County. In addition to engaging with federal and state agencies, Valley Water is working with the County of Santa Clara, cities and water retailers to take additional measures to protect our water supplies and conserve this precious resource.

The proclamation by Gov. Newsom amplifies how important it is for all our communities to reduce their water use during this extreme drought. Many people reduced their water use significantly during the last drought. Valley Water thanks them for their conservation efforts and encourages everyone to keep up the good work. Valley Water offers robust conservation programs that can help our communities save water and money, including our Landscape Rebate Program. Community members who want to replace high-water using landscapes with drought-resilient ones can now receive an increased rebate. Learn about all our rebate programs, conservation tips and how to get free water-saving tools at watersavings.org.

We can’t predict how long this drought will last. But Valley Water is taking every step possible now to protect our water supplies and groundwater basins for all our communities.

 

June 22, 2021

Valley Water Board Chair Tony Estremera statement on County of Santa Clara's proclamation of a local drought emergency 

Today’s decision by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to ratify the Proclamation of a Local Emergency issued by the County Director of Emergency Services underscores the seriousness of the threats posed by the extreme drought.

I would like to thank Board President Mike Wasserman for his leadership and extend my gratitude to his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors for taking immediate action as we face this water shortage emergency. I would also like to thank the Office of the County Executive and the Director of Emergency Management Services for taking decisive action following the Valley Water Board's declaration of a Water Shortage Emergency Condition.

Our water supplies are in jeopardy. Together, the actions taken by Valley Water and Santa Clara County acknowledge the water emergency facing our county and position us well to take additional measures to protect our water supplies and work with retailers and our community to conserve this precious resource.

Valley Water is doing everything we can to ensure we can provide safe, clean water to Santa Clara County. 

The resolution by the County Board of Supervisors echoes the call by Valley Water for all our communities to reduce their water use during this extreme drought. Valley Water offers robust conservation programs that can help our communities save water and money, including our Landscape Rebate Program. And beginning July 1, community members who want to replace high-water using landscapes with drought-resilient ones can receive an increased rebate. Learn about all our rebate programs, conservation tips and how to get free water-saving tools at watersavings.org.

To help us achieve our mission of providing safe, clean water to all or communities, we urge Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a drought emergency in Santa Clara County. This action is needed to help Valley Water be better positioned to receive an emergency supply of imported water to address our county’s public health and safety needs. These emergency water supplies are critical in helping us prevent overdraft of our groundwater basins, dry domestic wells, and subsidence.

Will we see another dry winter? We don’t know. But Valley Water and the County of Santa Clara are taking decisive actions now to protect our water supplies and groundwater basins.

 

June 16, 2021

As of 5 p.m. today, Valley Water activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in response to the extreme drought and water shortage emergency condition in Santa Clara County. Today’s EOC Level 2 activation kicks off the first Operational Period for Drought Response, which will run through Monday, June 21, 2021.

 

June 9, 2021

Valley Water Board Chair Tony Estremera statement on declaration of water shortage emergency condition

Santa Clara County is in extreme drought. We can’t afford to wait to act as our water supplies are being threatened locally and across California. We are in an emergency and Valley Water must do everything we can to protect our groundwater resources and ensure we can provide safe, clean water to Santa Clara County residents and businesses.

To better deal with these threats and the emergency they are causing, today my fellow Board Members and I unanimously declared a water shortage emergency condition in Santa Clara County. This declaration, which is among the strongest actions we can take under law, allows Valley Water to work with our retailers, cities and the county to implement regulations and restrictions on the delivery and consumption of water. We also are urging the County of Santa Clara to proclaim a local emergency and join us in underscoring the seriousness of the threats posed by the extreme drought.

Increased conservation is also necessary to protect local water supplies and guard against groundwater overdraft, subsidence, and dry domestic wells, especially if the drought extends into next year.  That’s why my fellow Board Members and I also are calling for a mandatory 15% reduction in water use compared to 2019.

These actions are necessary as we face further challenges to our local water supply. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ordered Anderson Reservoir to be drained for public safety as we strengthen the dam. This means the largest surface reservoir in Santa Clara County is out of service while performing this critical work.

Our imported water supplies are decreasing because of the historic dry season. About 50% of our water supply comes from outside our county, and the depleted Sierra Nevada snowpack caused a significant reduction in the amount of imported water we will receive this year.

Valley Water is addressing this by working to withdraw previously banked supplies and purchasing emergency water from our partners.

We thank the many people who acted during the last drought and beyond to reduce their water use significantly. Water saved through the years is water we can use now. We urge the community to keep up that great work.

I ask our residents, businesses, and farmers to do your part to help us weather this extreme drought by taking part in our many rebate and conservation programs. Valley Water offers robust conservation programs that can help you save water and money, including an increase in our Landscape Rebate Program beginning July 1. Learn about all our rebate programs, conservation tips and how to get free water-saving tools at watersavings.org.

A reliable supply of safe, clean water is crucial for public health and the economy. We can’t predict how long this drought will last. But we know now is the time for action to protect our groundwater basins and make sure there is enough water for all our communities. Thank you for doing your part.

Learn How to Save 15%