District recommends no rate increase
- Protection and Augmentation of Water Supplies 2010/2011 Download report: [PDF 8.25 MB] This is an annual report that assesses the water requirements and supplies of Santa Clara County. It includes an evaluation of the programs and services needed to ensure a reliable water supply, as well as a financial analysis. (Posted 2/26/10)
Each year the water district conducts a public review process to set water charges for the coming year. For 2010-2011, we are pleased to continue providing safe and reliable drinking water to well owners with no proposed increase in rates--for the third consecutive year. We've eliminated positions and reduced costs, and will continue to seek ways to cut costs.
The water district‘s annual charge-setting process has always included an opportunity for well owners to voice their opinions. This year the process includes a formal protest procedure, which provides more openness and transparency. You can find out more, including dates and locations of public meetings, below.
With revenue from groundwater production charges, the water district protects and augments water supplies for the health, welfare and safety of the community. We serve well owners and other residents by replenishing the groundwater aquifer with local water from ponds and reservoirs and imported water from the Sierra Nevada mountains to ensure the availability of a safe, reliable supply of groundwater.
Watch a short video:
Key dates for fiscal year 2010/11
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Jan 12
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Present preliminary groundwater production charge analysis to Board of Directors
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Jan/Feb
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Meet with water retailers and other stakeholders to receive input on preliminary groundwater production charge analysis
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Feb 26
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Mail annual notices to well owners; File Protection and Augmentation of Water Supplies Report
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Mar 11
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Informational Open House: 3 – 8:30 p.m., Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, El Toro Room
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Mar 15
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Informational Open House: 3 – 8:30 p.m., Cupertino Community Hall, 10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino (next to the Cupertino Library).
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Apr 5-8
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Discuss groundwater production charges with water district’s Agricultural and Landscape Advisory committees and Water Commission.
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Apr 13
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Open public hearing at water district headquarters Board Room (north county)
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Apr 22
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Continue public hearing at Gilroy City Hall (south county)
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Apr 27
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Close public hearing
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Apr-May
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Review and validate protests received
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The activities, programs and services we undertake with funding from groundwater production charges include:
Replenish the groundwater basin
Ensure safe drinking water:
Monitor and protect groundwater from pollutants
Ensure proper construction and destruction of wells
Construct, maintain and repair infrastructure
Plan and construct improvements to infrastructure such as dams, pipelines, ponds and pump stations
Operate and maintain pipelines and pumping plants to help sustain the groundwater aquifer. In South County, groundwater replenished by the water district’s activities make up, on average, two-thirds of the water used by farmers, ranchers, residents, retailers and businesses.
We encourage you to learn more about these important groundwater issues. In addition to the FAQs and information available in the Related Info column to the right of this page, there are also opportunities for you to gather information and provide input, listed in the table above.
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If you have questions or concerns about groundwater or this year’s charge-setting process, please join us at an upcoming open house or public hearing. You may also contact Darin Taylor at (408) 265-2600.
Faces of Water: District employees talk about groundwater and managing our water supply
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