Water conservation measures will remain in effect for San José residents and businesses for the time being. During a recent meeting, the City Council approved extending the 30 percent water reduction restrictions until June 30. The restrictions, put in place on April 21, 2015, were originally set to expire on March 31. Although water levels have improved due to community-wide savings, coordination among water retailers and rainfall from the El Niño winter, the results are not significant enough to recover from the drought in one year.
California’s state water restrictions, originally set to expire in February, have been extended until October. Once statewide evaluations of water supply levels are completed this spring, the State Water Board is expected to propose updated water conservation targets by May. To align with the state and regional targets to be set, San José City Council may choose to update the City’s water conservation target for the remainder of the year. San José’s current water restrictions only apply to potable (drinking) water, not greywater (used water from baths, sinks) or recycled water.