Santa Clara County Exceeds Conservation Goal Again

December 13, 2022

SAN JOSE – For the third time in four months, Santa Clara County surpassed the call by Valley Water’s Board of Directors to reduce water use by 15% compared to 2019. In October 2022, countywide water use dropped 16% compared to October 2019. The 16% water savings also exceed Governor Newsom’s call for conservation. When comparing to 2020, residents and businesses saved 17% which is 4% more than the state average in October of this year.

"I'd like to thank Santa Clara County for once again reaching our water savings goal of 15%," said John L. Varela, Valley Water Chair Pro Tem. "As we face another year of drought, your water conservation is making a difference in your community."

Santa Clara County residents are doing their part to conserve. Landscape Rebate Program applications are up more than 250% since 2020. To help residents save water, Valley Water is enforcing restrictions on outdoor water runoff, midday watering, watering after rainfall, and a limit of two days a week of watering for non-functional turf.

In addition to residential watering restrictions, Valley Water is enforcing the State of California’s ban on watering commercial, industrial and institutional non-functional turf. Since these outdoor watering restrictions were put into effect, Valley Water has received more than 1,900 water waste reports but they’ve diminished in recent months. Measurable rain totals in November and early December are a reminder for everyone to turn off irrigation systems and be mindful of indoor water use as well.

Climate change is resulting in hotter and more extreme weather events, with potentially longer and more severe droughts. Experts say that California needs at least one well-above-average water year, and maybe more, to end the drought and replenish reservoirs. Valley Water continues to encourage residents, businesses, farms, and others to follow watering restrictions and take actions, both large and small, to increase water savings. Visit watersavings.org for conservation information.

Valley Water manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, flood protection and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County's 2 million residents. Valley Water effectively manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, an advanced recycled water purification center, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, nearly 280 acres of groundwater recharge ponds and 350 miles of waterways. We provide wholesale water and groundwater management services to local municipalities and private water retailers who deliver drinking water directly to homes and businesses in Santa Clara County.