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Conservation is a California Way of Life graphic

Drought Updates

 

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Graphic of California's current drought levels as of Jan 19, 2023
CA Drought Levels as of Jan 19, 2023. Source: droughtmonitor.unl.edu

 

 

Approximately 50% of SJW's water supply comes from imported water. Both the state's snowpack and reservoir levels are updated daily and can be accessed through the following links:

When these levels are below average, the amount of imported water supply to meet customer water demand is reduced, leading to drought. The California Drought Monitor, updated weekly, also provides data on the dryness of specific regions throughout the state. SJW relies on these sources to determine the severity of the drought and how much water we have available for our customers.

Drought Resources for Businesses

It’s possible you are using more water for your business than you need to.

San Jose Water partners with Valley Water, who offers free resources for businesses and commercial facilities. These include:

  • Table Tents for Restaurants: “Drinking Water By Request”
  • Hotel “Linen Reuse” Cards
  • High-Efficiency Faucet Aerators – 0.5 gallons per minute
  • Pre-Rinse Sprayers – 1.15 gallons per minute

Please email Cindy Torres at ctorres@valleywater.org to request any items which could be helpful for your business.

Additionally, Valley Water offers rebates through their Water Efficient Technology (WET) Rebate Program to help implement equipment changes to reduce commercial or facility water usage. Learn more about the WET Program here.


State Water Board Targets Commercial Properties in New Drought Regulation

As another indication of the severity of our drought, the State Water Resources Control Board recently adopted an emergency water conservation regulation focused on commercial properties to ensure more aggressive water savings.   

Owners and managers of commercial, industrial, and institutional properties are not allowed to use potable water for irrigating non-functional turf (except for circumstances identified in the regulation).

The ban does not include watering turf that is used for recreation or other community purposes, water used at residences or water to maintain trees. The regulation went into effect on June 10, 2022. For more information on the regulation, head here. And, here is a description of what qualifies as non-functional turf in Santa Clara County. 

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We mean business - CII ban of decorative lawns

Tracking Every Drop!

Mandatory conservation is in place. Every drop saved makes a difference. 

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Photo of dried up San Luis reservoir with title: Mandatory Conservation Plan

Plan Details

Visit this page for a summary of the plan, links to additional resources and more.

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Mandatory Conservation Plan FAQs

Have questions about the plan? We have answers.

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Allocation Appeal Forms

Trying to file a customer allocations appeal? There are three ways to do this. Click here for instructions and downloadable forms in English and Spanish.

Leak Status Map

When it comes to reports of water loss, we are on it! Learn more about our leak response process at Leak Repairs. And if you want to find out the status of a specific leak, check out our map.

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Water conservation measures diagram

Water Use Restrictions

 

 

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Clear lake

FAQs about the Drought

Learn more about this severe drought and what you can do. 

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SJW Staff during audit

Conservation

For more conservation tips, visit our conservation page!

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Leak Repair

Helpful Links

How to Read Your Meter 


How to Check for Leaks


Report Water Waste and Leaks

If you see water waste:

Please fill out this form and provide as much detail as possible so our staff can best act to resolve the matter.

If you see a leak:

Please complete this form so we can investigate as soon as possible. 

If you need to report a major leak or water emergency:

Call (408) 279-7900 and our crews will assist you as quickly as possible.