Valley Water to hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program

June 29, 2026

A narrow creek flows between sloped concrete banks and dense green trees under a clear blue sky. A curved concrete floodwall and pedestrian path run alongside the creek, with a small patch of bright pink flowers growing in the foreground. Homes and additional trees are visible in the background.

On July 14, 2026, the Valley Water Board of Directors will hold a public hearing at 1 P.M. to consider a proposed modification to two of the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program projects.

You can attend in person at Valley Water headquarters at 5700 Almaden Expressway in San Jose or via Zoom at https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/84454515597.

The Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program is funded by a special parcel tax approved by Santa Clara County voters in 2012 and renewed in 2020. This program funds 31 local projects and provides approximately $55 million annually for local projects that deliver safe, clean water, natural flood protection, and environmental stewardship.

The two projects with proposed modifications are:

E5: San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection Project:

The San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection Project aims to reduce flood risk along San Francisquito Creek while providing environmental and recreational benefits. The project includes creek improvements from San Francisco Bay to upstream of the Pope Chaucer Bridge, to provide flood protection for thousands of properties in the Palo Alto area.

The Board will consider modifying key performance indicators (KPIs), which are measurable targets used to track project performance and outcomes. The proposed changes will better reflect Valley Water's role as one of the five funding partners for the project and allow Valley Water to provide a portion of funds commensurate with the project's benefits to Santa Clara County.

F6: Good Neighbor Program – Graffiti and Litter Removal and Public Art:

The Good Neighbor Program supports public health and safety by addressing illegal dumping, trash, graffiti, and other maintenance issues on Valley Water property and rights-of-way. Program activities include litter cleanup, graffiti removal, fence and gate maintenance, and cleanup of problem trash sites. The program also funds public art projects, including murals, to help deter graffiti and litter and promote community awareness of water and environmental stewardship.

The Board will consider expanding the scope of the Public Art Program and revising one KPI. The proposed changes would allow Valley Water to fund eligible public art projects throughout Santa Clara County rather than limiting funding to projects on Valley Water-owned property and infrastructure. The changes would expand community benefits, support public education about water and environmental stewardship, and help deter graffiti and litter.

To learn more, visit the Project E5 and Project F6 webpages.

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.