The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the average American uses 90 gallons of water a day. Faced now with a dwindling snowpack and lack of rain, city leaders and officials from the Santa Clara Valley Water District are hoping to change the way residents use water.

Saving water starts at home, and although voluntary, it's something we all can practice. Without much inconvenience, practicing water conservation can help save hundreds, even thousands of gallons per month.

Try to do one thing each day to save water. Don’t worry if the savings are minimal. Every drop counts and every person can make a difference. Even children can help. Ensure that your children are aware of the need to conserve water. Here are some simple suggestions to help you get started.

Water supply background: The City of Sunnyvale receives its potable water supply from 3 different sources: local groundwater, imported Sacramento Delta water from the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), and Hetch Hetchy water from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC).

-California is facing water shortage due to 2 successive dry years. 

-Water deliveries from the Sacremento Delta have been reduced by court orders in an effort to protect declining fish species. 

-In June 2008, the governor issued executive order (S-06-08) declaring a statewide drought and urged water agencies to take immediate action to develop water conservation strategies. http://gov.ca.gov/executive-order/9797/ 

-In the summer of 2007, water agencies called for a voluntary 10% cut back in water use from residents and businesses. However, water savings were not sufficient.