Drought

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As the climate becomes hotter and drier, drought conditions in Cupertino may worsen. Drought can affect daily life in many ways, including:

  • Higher food prices and utility bills
  • Reduced water quality due to algal blooms and concentrated pollutants
  • Stressed natural systems that no longer filter water effectively
  • Ground subsidence from excessive groundwater use

The City encourages residents to conserve water and provides resources to help households reduce water use, save money, and protect the environment.

How You Can Prepare

Landscape Tips and Tricks

  •  Learn about California native plants and waterwise landscaping through fun and informative videos.
  • Discover simple ways to maintain a healthy landscape while using less water.

Free Home Water Survey Kit

  •  Valley Water offers a DIY Water Wise Home Survey Kit mailed directly to Cupertino residents.
  • Measure your shower flow, check for toilet leaks, and test household fixtures.
  • Request free water-efficient products such as showerheads, faucet aerators, and toilet flappers.

Conservation Projects and Rebates

  •  Irrigation Upgrades and Rainwater Capture: Many projects can be completed online without an onsite inspection.
  •  Graywater and Laundry to Landscape Systems: Rebates available for eligible installations through Santa Clara Water District partnerships.
  • Landscape Conversion: Replace lawns or pools with drought-tolerant landscaping using rebates from Santa Clara Valley Water District.
  •  Rainwater Harvesting: Receive up to $35 per rain barrel and $1 per square foot for roof-to-rain garden conversion.
  •  Other Water Efficiency Products: Rebates available for California Water Service Company and San Jose Water Company customers.

Climate Victory Garden Program

  •  Support for front-yard conversion projects and rebates.
  •  Note: This pilot project is no longer accepting new applicants. Learn more.

Additional Resources

 

What The City Is Doing

The City of Cupertino takes an active role in drought management and water conservation:

  • Implements projects and policies outlined in the Santa Clara County Hazard Mitigation Plan (2023 Annex) and City Climate Action Plan 2.0  (2022).
  • Supports natural infrastructure solutions such as bioswales, rainwater storage systems, and permeable pavements to enhance infrastructure resiliency.
  • Encourages residents and businesses to participate in water conservation programs and rebates.

The City continues to provide information, guidance, and tools to help our community reduce water use, protect natural resources, and prepare for ongoing drought conditions.

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