City of Los Altos Drought Information
As of April 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency for several counties in California. Santa Clara County was added to the list of counties, on July 8, 2021. Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) declared a water shortage emergency and adopted a resolution on June 15, 2021, mandating 15% reduction in water usage from 2019 water use. Valley Water supplies water to California Water Service (Cal Water).
Cal Water, the City’s water provider, supports the State’s and Valley Water’s efforts to prepare for the drought. In preparation to meet the needs of their customers, Cal Water will be updating their Conservation Master Plan. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recently approved Cal Water’s Schedule 14.1 Water Shortage Contingency Plan with Staged Mandatory Reductions and Drought Surcharges, Cal Water is currently in Stage 1 of the plan. Long-term water conservation standards are important for us to make water conservation a way of life and continue to use water wisely. Please visit Cal Water’s website for information on the latest drought news.
Prohibited Uses of Water
Cal Water continues to remind customers to observe the prohibited uses of water in effect. These include the following:
- Applying water to outdoor landscapes that causes runoff onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures
- Using a hose to wash motor vehicles unless the hose is fitted with a shutoff nozzle or device that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use
- Applying water to driveways and sidewalks
- Using water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where the water is part of a recirculating system
- Applying water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall
- Using potable water to irrigate outside of new construction without drip or microspray systems
- Using potable water to irrigate ornamental turf on street medians
- Filling or refilling ornamental lakes or ponds except to sustain existing aquatic life
Consider making some changes in your home or business to conserve water. Find ideas to start saving here:
