Pure Water Silicon Valley takes next step toward a more resilient water future

June 10, 2026

A look at the technology inside the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center.

Valley Water has reached an important milestone in its efforts to create a more reliable, drought-resilient water supply for Santa Clara County. On June 9, 2026, the Valley Water Board of Directors selected a design consultant for the Pure Water Silicon Valley Demonstration Facility Project.

This Board action advances Pure Water Silicon Valley into its next stage of development. The selected consultant will prepare design plans for a demonstration project that includes a 200-gallon-per-minute direct potable reuse pilot treatment system and a learning center. Interactive exhibits will showcase the innovative technology behind water reuse and help educate visitors about the advanced treatment processes that make purified recycled water safe for drinking.

The pilot treatment facility will evaluate advanced treatment processes, support operator training, and collect data needed for a future full-scale facility. The learning center will help residents, students, and community groups learn about water purification technologies and how water reuse can strengthen the region's water supply. Visitors will also be able to drink direct potable reuse water and learn more about the treatment process.

Planning, designing and building the Demonstration Facility Project may cost up to $100 million.

Pure Water Silicon Valley is a partnership between Valley Water and the cities of San José and Santa Clara to bring direct potable reuse to the region. Direct potable reuse is a process that converts highly purified recycled water into drinking water, helping the region prepare for drought, climate change, and future water needs.

Pure Water Silicon Valley is part of Valley Water's long-term plan to expand local water supplies and prepare for drought and climate change. It builds on more than a decade of experience at the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center (SVAWPC). Since 2014, SVAWPC has tested advanced purification technologies and helped educate the public about water reuse through tours and outreach programs.

The future full-scale facility is planned to produce up to 24,000 acre-feet of highly purified water each year by 2035. The estimated cost to build the full-scale project is about $2.5 billion. While this is a significant investment, it would create a dependable local water source that can continue supplying water during droughts.

Selecting a design consultant for the Demonstration Facility Project is a key step toward bringing purified recycled water into Santa Clara County's drinking water supply. Through years of research, testing, and public outreach, Valley Water is helping build a more sustainable and reliable water future for generations to come.

To learn more about Pure Water Silicon Valley or sign up for a tour of the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center, visit purewater4u.org.

Valley Water manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, flood protection and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County's 2 million residents. Valley Water effectively manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, an advanced recycled water purification center, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, nearly 280 acres of groundwater recharge ponds and 333 miles of waterways. We provide wholesale water and groundwater management services to local municipalities and private water retailers who deliver drinking water directly to homes and businesses in Santa Clara County.