Because the amount of groundwater pumped out far exceeds what is naturally replenished by rainfall, Valley Water’s groundwater management activities are critical to maintaining healthy groundwater basins.
The water in the Jackson Oaks and Holiday Lake neighborhoods is safe, as a series of lab tests taken as a precaution after last week’s system malfunction allowed the city to lift a “boil water” notice that was in place for about 48 hours, city staff said.
The Delta is a critical component of our water system. Here in the Silicon Valley, 40 percent of our water supply passes through the Delta. Our imported water comes from the Sierra Nevada snowmelt and rainfall that fills rivers and streams that flow toward the San Francisco Bay. Much of that mountain water flows through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to communities throughout the Bay Area.
Do we have enough water? As a board member for the Santa Clara Valley Water District, I can tell you the answer is complicated. The bad news is that this year is shaping up to be one of the driest to date. The good news is that thanks to last year’s heavy rains, our groundwater storage levels are normal. So, it is unlikely that the board will need to call for any mandatory water use reductions.
The millions of dollars of machinery and equipment at Utilities Division’s 53 major facilities are vital in providing reliable water and sewer service – through rain, shine and power outages – for Morgan Hill residents and businesses. However, the reliability of the system also depends on other factors, in addition to this machinery and equipment.
I just had the pleasure of hearing lots of raindrops falling on our roof. Whew - I thought it might never rain again. Driving out of the house to see the wet streets and plants perking up with the moisture was a welcome sight indeed. I may be imagining it, but I'd swear that my lawn was already greening up. We love a good soaking that provides enough water to green things up without causing major flooding.