Key Water Resources Features
The City of Cupertino lies primarily within the Calabazas Creek Watershed Unit, with portions in Permanente Creek, Saratoga Creek, Stevens Creek, Sunyvale East and Sunnyvale West watersheds. The Stevens Creek Reservoir serves the City’s water supply needs.
Water Supply
Cupertino has two major water suppliers: the California Water Company and the San José Water Company. Both of these retailers purchase their water supply from the Santa Clara Valley Water District. The City recognizes that a sustainable future is intertwined with an adequate supply of clean water. Its General Plan states, “in addition to fundamental health and sanitation, an adequate potable water supply provides significant public and private benefits such as irrigation, ecological habitat, recreation opportunities and aesthetics.” Its efforts have, however, changed from attempting to increase supply (through the creation of dams and reservoirs) to conserving water and increasing efficient usage (through wise planning, xeriscape design and construction of sites, buildings and land uses).
Flood Protection
All water eventually flows to the sea. Controlling flooding also helps control damage from erosion and the transport of pollutants. To rally the community in this effort, the City of Cupertino has encouraged “adoption” of streams by community groups. These organizations participate in clean-ups, restoration, and monitoring. The community is also working with the Santa Clara Valley Water District and other regional agencies to enhance riparian corridors and flood control increasing the flow capacity of creeks. The City is also changing codes to limit paved surfaces and encourage the use of non-impervious materials, onsite infiltration, and water retention facilities.
