Rebate Programs Available
California is experiencing the driest year in recorded state history, with California’s river and reservoirs below their record lows, and statewide snowpack water content at about 20 percent of normal for this time of year.
Water is essential to each of us every day. The average Californian uses about 192 gallons per day. As much as 50% or more of the water you use every day may be going to your lawn or landscaping and for indoor water use, toilets alone account for about 32% of typical residential water use.
Because water is a limited resource, we all need to rethink the way we use water on a daily basis. As we have seen with energy conservation, small changes can make a big difference. The County is proud to be a partner with Save Our Water, a statewide program created to help Californians reduce their everyday water use. The County of Santa Clara is joining the Santa Clara Valley Water District in asking county residents to reduce water usage by 20%. The good news is that it’s not difficult to save water.
County Adopts Permanent Water Conservation Measures
The County of Santa Clara passed a new ordinance for residential water conservation and water uses for unincorporated areas that establishes permanent and mandatory water waste and conservation measures. More
Water Conservation Tips and Rebate Programs
- Indoor and Outdoor Home Tips
- Consejos para dentro y fuera de la casa
- Home Rebate Programs
- Household Water Use Calculator
- Business Water Conservation Tips
- Business Rebate Programs
Para información en español, visite:www.saveourwater.com/es
County Conservation Efforts
Concerned about the statewide drought, the County of Santa Clara is looking at drought conditions in the valley, examining water conservation measures in place at County facilities, working with local and regional partners, and identifying future strategies to reduce water use over the next few months. Following the State’s declaration of a statewide drought emergency, the County is expanding its efforts to install efficient water devices and to educate employees.
The County has large institutional facilities, such as a hospital and jails, so is continually examining its water usage. The County’s ongoing water efficiency project identifies opportunities to use less water and implements necessary improvements, including changing turf to xeriscape, putting in low flow toilets and most recently converting all the showers in the jails to low flow. At Elmwood Correctional Facility, water usage has decreased by 25% since 2009, a savings of 32,545 CCF (hundred cubic feet) or 24 million gallons. In 2013, the County was named the 2013 winner of the Silicon Valley Water Conservation Award in the Government category for ongoing reductions, including saving 20 million gallons annually through the turf-replacement projects. The County’s Green Building Policy has stringent requirements for water efficiency in new buildings, which focuses attention on reducing water usage as each new project is developed.
County staff will report to the Board’s Housing, Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee monthly to outline current and future water conservation strategies.
Thank you for helping to conserve water. Together we can preserve this valuable resource.