Since April, several Santa Clara Valley Water District water conservation program incentives were doubled and others were substantially increased until September, in response to the severe drought conditions.
On Aug. 26, due to the program’s success, the water district’s board of directors voted unanimously to allocate up to $4 million so that the increases could continue through September.
Landscape conversions rebates were doubled from $1 per square foot to $2 per square foot. This amount is even higher in areas that have a cost sharing partner, such as Palo Alto, Morgan Hill and the San José Municipal Water System.
The influx of interest in water conservation programs has been overwhelming. Just in 2014, the demand for the program has increased fivefold.
More than 360,218 square feet of high water-using landscapes have been replaced with drought-tolerant ones. And there are many more projects already in the pipeline that have been approved to start.
Therefore, the money we just allocated is not likely to last long, so if you have been thinking of participating in one of our programs, call our water conservation hotline at 408.630.2554 or visit our website right away to determine if you are eligible and to get started.
We also offer a rebate for installing a gray water system to use clothes washer water in your landscape.
While water conservation has in some measure become a long-term way of life in California, we have a long way to go to reach this year’s drought goal of saving 20 percent compared to 2013.
Our February through July figures show that the county has reduced its water use by 11 percent.
All of our water conservation programs are helping address the current drought, but they are also reducing long-term water use, which will help alleviate future drought conditions as well.
As part of our long-term water supply management plan, the water district is working hard to save 98,500 acre-feet of water per year by 2030, which is projected to account for about 20 percent of the county’s total water supply needs.
Why is it important to reach the immediate 20 percent reduction target? First, we don’t know what 2015 will bring. We are in our third dry year, but no one knows if it’s the last.
Second, our groundwater levels have already begun to fall. Due to continuing drought and limited water supplies, the district has reduced its groundwater replenishment program in 2014.
At the same time, groundwater pumping has increased in some areas to meet Santa Clara County water needs, resulting in groundwater levels dropping up to 37 feet compared to the five-year average for September.
Groundwater is a tremendous resource for our county in dry years, but it is not an endless supply.
Over pumping our groundwater basins would have dire consequences. Salt water could be drawn into the basin, affecting drinking water quality.
Subsidence, or the sinking of the land, could cause expensive damage to underground infrastructure and increase flood risks in low-lying areas.
Please do what you can to reduce your water use even further. As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, landscapes need less water, so don’t forget to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
We appreciate all of the businesses and residents who have let their lawns suffer this summer, proudly proclaiming that “Brown is the New Green.”
You can get a free lawn sign, while supplies last, by signing up on the website: valleywater.org/drought2014
Please remember to use water wisely.
Director Richard P. Santos represents District 3 of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which includes the northern areas of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara as well as Alviso, Milpitas and the north San Jose and Berryessa communities. He can be reached at 408.234.7707.
