California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
Last week Valley Water District in Santa Clara declared a water shortage emergency resulting from the “extreme drought” in the area amid a historic dry season, becoming the first water district in the state to do so since the drought of the early to mid 2010s.
“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,” said Tony Estremera, chair of the district’s board, said in a statement. “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.”
This declaration, which is among the strongest actions the board can take under law, allows Valley Water to work with retailers, cities and the county to implement regulations and restrictions on the delivery and consumption of water. As such, the two million people in the water district are required to reduce water usage by 15% compared to usage in 2019.
Valley Water has suggested several ways people can cut water usage including:
- reducing watering lawns and ornamental landscapes to a maximum of three days a week
- limiting the filling of swimming pools
- prohibiting giving water at restaurants except when requested by a customer
- restricting drinking water usage for washing cars, aircraft, boats, and other vehicles
