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Valley Water and Emergency Fire Management

January 31, 2025
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CalFire drawing water from Almaden Reservoir
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Valley Water is a groundwater manager and wholesale water supplier for Santa Clara County. We proudly manage 10 reservoirs and provide safe, clean water, flood protection, and environmental stewardship to nearly 2 million people.

How does Valley Water work with CalFire and other agencies in a fire emergency?
Valley Water partners with fire protection agencies and local water retailers to supply water for fire protection purposes. We coordinate frequently in planning efforts, including water supply and emergency response planning. Valley Water continues to allow the use of the water in its reservoirs for emergency fire protection purposes. 

Does CalFire have access to Valley Water reservoirs if needed?
Yes. CalFire helicopters can fly over any of our reservoirs and collect water. Helicopters are the only aircraft that can directly access our reservoirs. All fixed-wing aircraft must land and reload at established airports. 

Does water from Valley Water reservoirs go directly to hydrants?
No. Water from Valley Water reservoirs does not flow directly into Santa Clara County’s hydrants. Each of the county’s local water retailers operates and maintains this infrastructure. Please visit your local water retailer’s website for more information. Visit valleywater.org/find-my-retailer to identify the retailer that serves your area.

Santa Clara County's reservoirs seem low. Is that enough water to help fight a fire?
Yes. Each acre-foot (or about 326,000 gallons) can fill over 300 firefighting helicopters, depending on their tank size. Any of Valley Water’s reservoirs have an immense firefighting capability even when it seems low from its bank. For current reservoir levels, please visit alert.valleywater.org.

With limited water in Anderson Reservoir, where would firefighting aircraft get water?
Coyote Reservoir, located upstream of Anderson, will retain water for potential aircraft wildfire response throughout the construction of the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project.

Why do you release water from reservoirs? Shouldn't it always be as full as possible for an emergency?
Valley Water operates its reservoirs for water supply, fish and aquatic habitat benefits, in addition to the incidental benefit of flood risk reduction. The levels in our reservoirs are governed by guidelines set by the Valley Water Board of Directors. These guidelines are used to help balance flood risk reduction, water supply, and environmental needs by determining how much water to release from the reservoir at different times. 

Resources available for more information: 


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 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.