Santa Clara County Water Articles

Humpback whales return to our waters just in time for Earth Day and WhaleFest in Pacifica, while whale watchers in Monterey Bay are seeing cetaceans in droves.

Santa Clara County residents could see higher water bills in the upcoming year, as one water agency looks for ways to cover costs.
Valley Water, the region’s main water supplier, is proposing raising groundwater production charges on cities and private …

The region’s largest taxpayer-funded water supplier is suing one of its own board directors weeks after they censured her.
Santa Clara Valley Water District officials announced they plan to file a lawsuit against Director Rebecca Eisenberg at the March 26 …

Roughly 1 million people in and around San Jose are facing significant increases to their water bills starting next year, if state regulators approve a local company’s plan.
San Jose Water Company, a for-profit water retailer, is asking the California …

California, Arizona and Nevada would cut their allocations about 20% when reservoir levels drop. But other states have their own more aggressive plan. Now the federal government has to decide how to manage the drought-plagued river.

Valley Water CEO Rick Callender said videos confirmed that Director Rebecca Eisenberg illegally took a report on allegations that she had discriminated against male Valley Water staff and insulted water district officials.

Even though California faces serious water shortages, the Legislature’s analysts recommend weaker outdoor conservation requirements and longer deadlines for urban water agencies.

Though California faces serious water shortages, the Legislature's analysts recommend weaker outdoor conservation requirements and longer deadlines.

Gilroy City Hall. Photo: Erik Chalhoub
Water, wastewater rate increases take effect

Water
In a milestone for creating a major new source of drinking water, California has approved its first standards for turning sewage into potable water supplies delivered to homes and businesses.

Only a few small demonstration projects off the West Coast have harnessed the power of waves and tides. Costs are high and hurdles are challenging.

California ranks among the top states suffering economic damage from climate-related disasters. The report describes food shortages, floods, droughts, wildfires, pollution, disease—all linked to climate change.

Two years ago, the cost of the dam project—required for earthquake protection and improved flood control for the Coyote Creek watershed—was estimated at $648 million.

The Gilroy City Council passed a water and wastewater rate increase Oct. 16 that will be more gradual over five years than was originally proposed. On a 5-0 vote, the council agreed to raise water rates by 6% every year …

Water providers say rebates for residential areas are costly and many people refuse to remove their lawns. The rules aim to save enough water for more than a million households a year.

California’s water storage and delivery systems are in good shape heading into the rainy season, having benefited from last year’s near-historic rain and snowfall totals, according to the state’s top water managers. Coming off three years of punishing drought conditions, …

As four aging hydroelectric dams are demolished, tribes and communities along the Klamath River wait anxiously to see what the future holds. “Once a river is dammed, is it damned forever?” experts ask.