Drought Updates

May 23, 2023 –  The Mountain View City Council has rescinded the Stage 2 water shortage emergency condition.  The City, residents and businesses saved 677 million gallons of potable water since the drought was initially declared in Santa Clara County on June 15, 2021.  Although this most recent water shortage emergency is officially over, the City continues to support long-term water use efficiency efforts.  Thank you for your actions and commitment to conserve water in our community.

April 19, 2023 – Water supply conditions in California have improved significantly this winter.  The statewide snowpack is 253% of normal and many reservoirs are above historical levels for this time of year.  Governor Newsom issued an executive order on March 24 rescinding his requirement for water agencies to enforce Stage 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plan  – which is implemented by a State Water Board Order scheduled to expire in mid-June.  The Governor maintains his ban on irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial sites.  

In response to the Governor’s actions and current water supply conditions, Valley Water and SFPUC both voted on April 11 to rescind their drought emergencies, but maintained a voluntary call for conservation.  SFPUC’s 11% voluntary call will expire concurrent with the State Board’s order.  Valley Water’s 15% voluntary call is expected to continue throughout the summer.  Valley Water will also maintain a 2-day per week limit on residential non-functional turf.  Mountain View’s City Council is scheduled consider rescinding the City’s Stage 2 drought emergency on May 23.

February 2, 2023 – The storms over the last few weeks have brought much needed water to our state and county. Nine winter storms hit the Bay Area in just three weeks. 2023 began with a strong reminder that in an era of climate change, California needs to be prepared for longer droughts and heavier rains.

The recent storms have increased snowpack levels in the Sierra Nevada as well as local reservoir storage. Santa Clara County went from being in a severe drought to a moderate drought. While water conditions have improved in some regions, the local area is still in a drought.

At this time, it is too early to know if the county will move farther out of the drought. Water managers will have a better understanding of water supply conditions when snowpack levels are measured this spring.

Mountain View remains in a Stage 2 Water Shortage Emergency Condition. Water use restrictions and the City’s two-day per week watering schedule are posted online.

June 28, 2022 – The Mountain View City Council has declared a Stage 2 water shortage emergency condition. View the list of current water use restrictions in place. Under a Stage 2 water shortage, customers are assigned specific irrigation days based on their street address. The weekly irrigation schedule is listed below:

• Even addresses – Irrigation allowed Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Odd addresses – Irrigation allowed Mondays and Thursdays.

June 24, 2022 – Mountain View residents received a water supply notice postcard in the mail.

June 9, 2022 – The Mountain View City Council will hold a public hearing on June 28, 2022 to consider declaring a Stage 2 water shortage emergency condition.

May 24, 2022 – The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) adopted Stage 2 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan, requesting 11% systemwide conservation. The State Water Board adopted new emergency regulations requiring water suppliers to implement their Stage 2 conservation measures and ban the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf for commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. School fields, sports fields, and areas used for civic or community events are exempt from the ban. For more details about the State's emergency regulation, view the FAQ page.

April 12, 2022 – The Valley Water Board has voted to limit irrigation of lawns and ornamental landscapes to 2-days per week. Mountain View purchases approximately 10% of its wholesale water supply from Valley Water. Mountain View's primary water source is the San Francisco Regional Water System, which is currently requesting 10% conservation.

March 28, 2022 – Governor Newsom has issued an executive order requiring urban water suppliers to implement Stage 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans and prohibiting irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial properties throughout California. The State Water Board will hold a public hearing on May 24, 2022 to adopt the necessary regulations. The Mountain View City Council is tentatively scheduled to discuss implementation of the new requirements in June.

March 10, 2022 – Despite a wet and cool December, the beginning of 2022 has been unseasonably warm and dry. Mountain View's wholesale water suppliers are expecting the current drought to persist into the spring and summer. Valley Water continues to request 15% conservation, and San Francisco has implemented a voluntary 10% conservation. View water saving tips and resources.

January 3, 2022 – Mountain View residents received a Stage 1 Water Shortage Notice postcard in the mail.

November 9, 2021 – The Mountain View City Council has declared a Stage 1 water shortage emergency condition. View current water use restrictions in place. View theFall/Winter 2021-22 utility bill insert.

October 27, 2021 – The Mountain View City Council will hold a public hearing on November 9, 2021 to consider declaring the existence of a Stage 1 water shortage emergency condition and directing implementation of Stage 1 water demand reduction measures. View details and information on attending this virtual City Council meeting.

July 13, 2021 – Governor Newsom has requested all Californians voluntarily conserve 15% compared to 2020 water use. Explore the links to the left for water saving tips and view the Summer 2021 utility bill insert.

June 9, 2021 – The Santa Clara Valley Water District has declared a water shortage emergency with a goal of 15% conservation from 2019 water use. Customers are encouraged to limit irrigation to 3 days per week. The City of Mountain View receives approximately 10 percent of its water supply from Valley Water. The majority of Mountain View's drinking water come from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. SFPUC's regional water system is not expected to enter a water shortage emergency this summer; customers are encouraged to continue using water wisely!

Conservation Report

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