District organization

The Santa Clara Valley Water District manages Santa Clara County's drinking water resources, coordinates flood protection for its 1.8 million residents, and serves as steward of the county's more than 800 miles of streams and 10 district-built reservoirs.

Created by an act of the California Legislature, the district operates as a state of California Special District, with jurisdiction throughout Santa Clara County. The district is governed by an elected/appointed board of directors, which sets policy and the direction of the district. Carrying out the district's work is the responsibility of the executive management team, operations and administrative divisions, and more than 600 employees.

Funding for district operations comes from a number of sources, including revenue from the sale of water to local jurisdictions and water retailers, property taxes, and state and federal project cost-sharing and reimbursements. The district's finances are a matter of public record.