Statement from Board Chair Richard P. Santos regarding the section of HR 6147 on legal protections for the California WaterFix

July 06, 2018

While the Santa Clara Valley Water District believes in the importance and necessity of the California WaterFix project, we also believe in the right of the people and agencies of California to challenge actions related to it. A recent insertion into an Interior Department appropriations bill (HR 6147) would exempt the project from all judicial review, which would amount to a circumvention of California’s environmental laws.

As staunch defenders of the environment, the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors voted on June 12 to oppose this aspect of the appropriations bill, and we strongly advocate for its removal.

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. The district 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 more than 294 miles of streams. 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.