After years of delays, a $3.2 B construction contract to rebuild the 240-foot-tall Anderson dam, the largest dam in Santa Clara County, has been awarded to Flatiron-Dragados-Sukut. The demolition of the current structure and rebuilding of a new dam to current earthquake standards will begin in 2027 and is anticipated to be completed by 2033.
Anderson Dam was built in 1950. When the reservoir is at full capacity it holds 89,278 acre-feet of water which is more than the combined water capacity of all other nine reservoirs located in the water district boundary.
The State Water Board has adopted a new water conservation emergency regulation to ensure more aggressive conservation across the state. Here is what you need to know:
Who: The new regulation applies to commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, including homeowners’ associations (HOAs), throughout the State of California, including all of Morgan Hill.
What: The regulation requires that owners and managers of commercial, industrial, institutional properties, and HOAs immediately cease using potable water for irrigating non-functional turf. The regulation defines non-functional turf as a ground cover surface of mowed grass that is solely ornamental and not otherwise used for human recreation purposes. All Water provided by the City of Morgan Hill and all well water in the Morgan Hill area is potable water.
When: The new regulation was approved on June 10th and is effective immediately. The regulation will remain in effect for one year unless the State Water Board modifies it, readopts it, or ends it before then. A fine of $500 per day has been set by the State for violations of the regulation.
NOTE: The regulation does not apply to the following: residences including those located within HOAs, school fields, sports fields, areas regularly used for civic or community events, and water used to maintain trees.
The full State Water Resource Board Resolution can be found HERE.
Landscape Rebate: Looking for a landscaping program to help you replace your existing turf with a water wise design? The City of Morgan Hill partners with Valley Water to provide the Landscape Rebate Program. This program is designed to encourage residents and businesses to convert approved high water use landscape, such as lawns and pools, to low water use landscape and retrofit existing irrigation equipment with approved high-efficiency irrigation equipment. Sites wishing to participate in the rebate program must complete a pre-inspection and submit an online application for approval before beginning any work on their project. Learn more HERE.
Have questions? Contact City of Morgan Hill Economic Development Director Matt Mahood at Matt.Mahood@morganhill.ca.gov
