The water supply situation is continuously changing.  As new information is reported on water supply levels and the need for reductions, we will keep you updated below. Keep checking back here for Palo Alto’s supply status and more information on ways you can help reduce your water use.

On February 27, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger declared a State of Emergency in response to California’s three consecutive dry years. Low snowpack levels, below-average precipitation, and reduced reservoir storage has led to California’s first ever drought-related State of Emergency. Read the Governor's proclamation at http://gov.ca.gov/proclamation/11557/ 

For up to date information on the drought situation in California, please visit http://www.water.ca.gov/drought/ 

Local Water Conditions

Palo Alto’s water comes from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). The water supply in the SFPUC’s Hetch-Hetchy system, due to its fortunate location in the Sierra Mountains, has not fallen to as low levels as has the supply in other parts of the state and even our neighboring communities.

Palo Alto customers get their water from the SFPUC and are  currently only being asked for a 10% voluntary reduction in water use. However, we are part of Santa Clara County and, therefore, you may hear about the 15% mandatory restrictions being imposed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD). While the SCVWD is asking all communities in the county to impose these mandatory restrictions, they do not currently apply to Palo Alto.  You may want to learn more about the SCVWD restrictions--what they involve and why they are being imposed. Click here for more details from the SCVWD.

Remember that while many communities have had to impose mandatory restrictions already (including the Santa Clara Valley Water District), the SFPUC and the City of Palo Alto are currently asking for a minimum 10% voluntary reduction in water use. Remember that failing to conserve now may make future rationing necessary if dry conditions continue.

Resources to Help You Save Water at Home

Residential Rebate and Audit Programs

Water Wise House Call Program
Get a free indoor and outdoor water survey of your home or apartment. Participation in this program also pre-qualifies you for other water conservation rebate programs.  Trained surveyors will review your water use, provide low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and toilet flappers (if needed), suggest water-wise recommendations and provide an anuual irrigation schedule for your landscape. 

Water Wise House Calls are available Monday through Saturday during daylight hours. Call (800) 548-1882 to schedule an appointment or make a request online here. 


Landscape Rebate Program
The Landscape Rebate Program provides rebates for home owners who improve their outdoor water use efficiency by replacing high water use landscape and/or upgrading to high efficiency irrigation equipment.  This new program combines several landscape rebate programs into one program.  

• Palo Alto residents can receive a rebate of $1.50 per square foot fo turf grass removed and replaced with approved low-water using plants and/or permeable hardscape.  The maximum rebate amount for Palo Alto residents is $3,000.     
• Rebates are available for installing weather-based irrigation controllers, rain sensors, converting overhead spray to drip irrigation, replacing rotating nozzles and spray heads, and much more.  Rebate amounts vary, based upon the project and cost.

To qualify for the Landscape Rebate Program, sites must participate in a pre-inspection prior to beginning the project or purchasing materials.  To schedule a pre-inspection survey, call (800) 548-1882 for a Water Wise House Call or request one online here.

Call (877) 874-8479 for rebate information and approval or check it out online here.


ENERGY STAR® Clothes Washers
City of Palo Alto Utilities customers can receive a $90 or $125 water savings rebate for purchasing a qualifying high efficiency clothes washer from a list of approved models. This regional Bay Area rebate program is funded by City of Palo Alto Utilities and the Santa Clara Valley Water District but administered by PG&E*. All program information including rules, a list of approved models and the rebate applications are available at http://www.waterenergysavings.com. Palo Alto customers cannot apply online, but can download the rebate application from the website. Please call CPAU at (650) 329-2241 with any questions.  As of July 1, 2008, Palo Alto customers are also eligible for the energy savings portion of the rebate, either $35 or $75 depending on the model.  Click here to apply for the energy rebate through the CPAU Smart Energy Program.

*As of Jan 1, 2008 PG&E has processed and administered the rebates for this regional program, including applications from Palo Alto customers. Remember to look for the water portion of your clothes washer rebate check from PG&E.   

Water Softener Replacement Rebate Program
This program offers a $150 rebate for replacing a timer-based water softener with a more efficient demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) water softener.  The new DIR water softener reduces water and salt demand, which can help save money.  Applicant must obtain pre-approval prior to purchasing a new water softener.

To request a pre-inspection and application, call Santa Clara Valley Water District - Water Conservation Hotline (408) 265-2607 x2554