Adopt-A-Creek program
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Adopt-A-Creek important?
There are more than 800 miles of streams
in Santa Clara County that need cleaning. The water district works very
hard year round to maintain the health of these creeks, but we can not
do it alone. We need the help of citizens like you who act as stewards
for the cleanliness of our community and environment throughout the
year.
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How do I know what creeks are available for adoption?
You can find out which creeks are available
for adoption by calling the program coordinator at (408) 265-2607, ext.
2331, see our creeks
for adoption page.
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Can I choose a creek in any area, or does it have to be specific to
my community?
You can choose a creek anywhere in Santa Clara County, as long as it
has not been adopted by another group or is not on private property.
The areas of creeks that are in most need of adoption are in the Uvas/Llagas
and Coyote watersheds near Morgan Hill/Gilroy and East San Jose/Milpitas
respectively.
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How many people do I need in my group in order to participate?
You can have as little as one or as many as 100 people in your
group. The choice is yours. Your most important consideration should
be finding people who will commit to cleaning the creek twice a year
and with whom you'll enjoy spending time.
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How do I get involved in the Adopt-A-Creek program?
Anyone can get involved in the program. See our getting
started page for more information. You can download
an application or request an application to be sent to you by contacting
the program coordinator at (408) 265-2607, ext. 2331.
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How long am I committed to participating
in the program?
Your Adopt-A-Creek permit is valid for two years. You can renew
your permit as many times as you wish to continue participating in the
program.
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How often do I have to clean my creek?
We ask that you designate a minimum of two cleanup days per year
for your group, although you can clean your creek as often as you'd
like.
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What tools do I need?
The water district supplies garbage bags and gloves for your
group at no cost for your cleanup day. Please contact the program coordinator
before you pick up your supplies at our San Jose warehouse located at
5905 Winfield Boulevard, San Jose.
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Will my group be picking up hazardous or
dangerous materials?
It is extremely rare for a group to come across toxic or hazardous
materials during its cleanup day. If you suspect that a material may
be toxic or hazardous, we ask that you do not attempt to remove it.
Notify the water district at 1-888-510-5151 or county hazardous material
office of suspected toxic substance immediately.
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Can children participate?
We encourage children to participate in the program with adult
supervision. It is a great way to give them ownership of their community
and show them how pollution can negatively impact their environment.
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Does cleaning a creek two times a year really make an impact?
YES! A little effort on your part can make a huge impact on the
environment. Every piece of debris that you pick up from your adopted
creek means one less piece that will end up in the San Francisco or
Monterey bays, threatening humans, fish, wildlife and vegetation.
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