Providing electricity to the City since 1896, Santa Clara’s Electric Department, now operating as Silicon Valley Power, is one of the three largest municipally-owned utilities in California ranked in terms of kilowatt hour sales. The City’s residential electric rates have averaged about 35% lower than rates from private companies in the surrounding areas. Questions about electric deregulation? Questions about energy conservation for your home or business? Contact the department at 244-SAVE (7283) for information.

• Q. Is City water safe to drink?
  A. Yes. It meets all of the stringent state & federal water quality standards. Contact the City Water Utility at 615-2000 for a free copy of our Annual Water Quality Report. City tap water is a safe, healthful, drinking water supply.



• Q. Why is my tap water sometimes white or milky looking?
  A. Water pumped from wells is subjected to considerable pressure, which causes air to be dissolved in the water. When the pressure is released at your faucet, the air appears as tiny bubbles which rise to the surface and dissipate. You can reduce this by installing aerators on your faucets.

  The Water Utility provides conservation assistance to residents and businesses. Contact the Water Utility at 615-2000 for information on the City’s Ultra-Low Flush Toilet Rebate Program, water-saving landscape techniques, leak detection assistance, and replacement showerheads. Questions about the City’s Sewer Utility? Call 615-2000. Listed below are the most frequently asked questions about this City service.

• Q. Who should I contact if there is a problem with my sewer line?
  A. If you experience a sewer stoppage, call the City’s Sewer Utility at 615-2000 weekdays, during regular working hours. After hours or on weekends, call 615-5640. City crews will respond and repair problems on the City’s portion of the sewer line. If the problem is on the customer’s property, the customer must call a private contractor.
  
  
• Q. If I don’t have a sewer clean-out, is the City still responsible for a sewer stoppage problem at my house?
  A. In order to service the City’s part of the sewer lateral, the property must be equipped with a sewer clean-out, generally located at the property line. Clean-outs have been installed by builders on all homes constructed during the past thirty years. In older homes which do not have clean-outs, it is necessary for the City to install a clean-out in order to service the sewer lateral. There is a one-time fee for this installation.
  
  
• Q. Does the City have a pest control program?
  A. The Sewer Utility and Storm Drain Division treat the City sanitary sewer and storm drain manholes and catch basins for pests such as cockroaches, but only when they are detected in the City's own facilities. If you have seen pests in sanitary sewer or storm drain manholes and catch basins, call the Sewer Utility at 615-2000 or the Storm Drain Division at 615-3080 to report them. The City does not treat for pests on private property; that is the responsibility of the property owner.