On November 25, 2025, the Valley Water Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution honoring the City of Santa Clara for its exemplary leadership in advancing sustainable water management practices.
The resolution recognizes Santa Clara as the first city in Santa Clara County to adopt measures from the Model Water Efficient New Development Ordinance (MWENDO). Developed by Valley Water, the County of Santa Clara, local cities, and community partners. MWENDO’s purpose is to promote water efficiency, conserve resources, and strengthen long-term regional water reliability.
By adopting MWENDO measures, the City of Santa Clara has:
- Advanced efficient water use in new developments
- Expanded opportunities for recycled and graywater reuse
- Promoted sustainable landscape design
- Reduced water loss through forward-thinking conservation practices
These actions directly support regional efforts to mitigate drought impacts, adapt to climate change, and responsibly manage limited water supplies. Santa Clara’s leadership sets a strong example for other local governments, demonstrating how thoughtful policy can drive climate resilience, resource conservation, and sustainable community development.
Valley Water’s Board commended the City for its long-standing collaboration and commitment to joint initiatives that enhance water reliability and innovation across the region.
“The City of Santa Clara’s adoption of MWENDO measures represents a significant milestone in regional water conservation efforts,” said Tony Estremera, Chair of the Valley Water Board of Directors. “We deeply value the City’s partnership and leadership in promoting shared sustainability goals.”
“We are proud to be the first city in Santa Clara County to adopt the MWENDO measures ordinance. In one of California’s most populated and drought-prone regions, it isn’t just good policy, it’s essential to our future,” said City of Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor. “We know that no single agency can tackle the climate crisis alone. Progress requires partnership and the kind of unified approach that Valley Water champions every day”.
The Board’s resolution reflects Valley Water’s ongoing commitment to building strong partnerships with local governments and communities to ensure a resilient water future for Santa Clara County.
Photo information
Front row (L-R): Valley Water Chair Tony Estremera; City of Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor.
Back row (L-R): Valley Water Board Members John Varela, Nai Hsueh, Shiloh Ballard, Richard Santos, Jim Beall, Rebecca Eisenberg.