Cupertino Council votes to keep water restrictions despite end of drought

CUPERTINO, Calif. (KGO) -- Earlier this month, Cupertino City Council members unanimously approved a plan to retain a number of drought-era water use restrictions which have been in place for years.

This decision comes despite the end to the state's drought emergency.

Many have called Memorial Park one of the more scenic spots in Cupertino despite the man-made ponds that have been drained since 2014.

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City officials say they'll stay that way for at least another year as California recovers from the drought.

At San Jose State University a water feature is back just in time for campus tours.

Students say it's still important to be mindful of any water waste.

"It's really easy for our water supply to run out, especially since summer is coming, so it's still better to be mindful about our water supply since we slowly just got it back," said Joanna Barangan, a Vacaville Resident

The fountains at Plaza De Cesar Chavez were down Friday for maintenance but visitors to downtown San Jose say when the water's running kids in the community absolutely love it.

RELATED: Gov. Brown ends drought state of emergency in most of state

"I'm super excited because I have younger siblings at home, and I know they can enjoy this all summer long," said Elizabeth Gasca, a San Jose Resident.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District reminds customers that any fountains used in its jurisdiction must contain re-circulated water and although the drought is over water officials are still asking the community to cut back by 20-percent.

"We never know when we're going to have a dry period come again, so it's best to be prepared for it, and to make conservation a way of life," said Colleen Valles, with the Santa Clara Valley Water District.