We want to hear from you: Get involved in the FY26-27 rate-setting process

March 23, 2026

Valley Water headquarters building at sunset

Santa Clara County’s water system was built decades ago, and it continues to serve our community every day. From dams and pipelines to treatment plants, this infrastructure is essential to delivering safe, clean, reliable water. Just like anything that ages, these systems require ongoing care. That’s why we’re investing in upgrades, rehabilitation and replacement projects to keep everything operating as it should.

Water charges help fund this critical work, and we invite the community to be part of the process each year. Your input helps shape decisions so we can continue providing the services you rely on.

We host a series of public hearings and an open house where you can share feedback on proposed water rates and the annual budget. Meeting details are available below.

You can also explore and weigh in on the budget using Balancing Act, our budget simulation tool. This online tool is an interactive way to learn how funding is allocated and share your priorities directly with our Board of Directors.

In addition, we will hold a public hearing on the Draft FY 2027–2031 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program. This plan highlights upcoming investments to repair, replace and build the infrastructure needed to support reliable water service now and into the future.

Important dates

Open house and public hearings for water rates and the Capital Improvement Program

The rate-setting and CIP process includes opportunities for the public to provide input at the open house and public hearings in April.

Water rates public hearing
Opening date for public comments
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Valley Water Headquarters Building, 5700 Almaden Expressway
Zoom Meeting

South County open house (in-person only)
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Morgan Hill City Hall, 17555 Peak Ave, Morgan Hill

Water rates public hearing focused on South County
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Morgan Hill City Hall, 17555 Peak Ave, Morgan Hill
Zoom Meeting

Water rates public hearing
Closing date for public comments
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Valley Water Headquarters Boardroom, 5700 Almaden Expressway
Zoom Meeting

CIP public hearing
Opening date for public comments
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Valley Water Headquarters, 5700 Almaden Expressway
Zoom Meeting

CIP public hearing
Closing date for public comments
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Valley Water Headquarters, 5700 Almaden Expressway
Zoom Meeting

Budget Work Study Sessions

Proposed Operating and Capital Budget Board Work Study Session
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Valley Water Headquarters Boardroom, 5700 Almaden Expressway
Zoom Meeting

Budget, water rates and CIP 5-Year Plan

Adopt the budget, water rates & the CIP 5-Year Plan
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Valley Water Headquarters Boardroom, 5700 Almaden Expressway
Zoom Meeting

We look forward to working through this process with you. Visit our website to learn more about Valley Water’s water rates, budget and Capital Improvement Program. Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest information on rates and public hearings: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram

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 285 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.