Governor Gavin Newsom proposes a plan to fast-track critical water infrastructure project

May 15, 2025

On May 14, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a proposal to streamline the state’s Delta Conveyance Project. This project aims to modernize how water is moved through the State Water Project and reduce risks to California’s water supply from climate change, sea level rise, earthquakes, and levee failures.

The governor’s news release stated the proposal would speed up the project by simplifying the permitting process, confirming funding authority, preventing unnecessary litigation delays and supporting construction efforts.

“We appreciate Governor Newsom’s strong support of the Delta Conveyance Project and his efforts to move it forward,” said Valley Water Board Chair Tony Estremera. “About 40% of Santa Clara County’s water comes through the Delta, and climate change is putting that supply at risk. The Delta Conveyance Project would help the State Water Project adapt to changing conditions, making this water supply more reliable for our community and all of California.”

The Delta Conveyance Project is a unique climate adaptation effort that will modernize the infrastructure system that delivers water to millions of Californians. Valley Water, one of the participating agencies supporting the project, has an annual contract for 100,000-acre feet of water from the State Water Project. But the amount received each year depends on rainfall, reservoir conditions and other factors.

In January 2025, the Valley Water Board of Directors voted to continue funding the Delta Conveyance Project’s planning and design work through 2027, at a cost of $9.69 million for Valley Water.

With droughts becoming more frequent and severe, Valley Water remains committed to providing safe, clean water to Santa Clara County. The agency’s long-term strategy to provide water supply in a changing climate is outlined in the Water Supply Master Plan, which features the Delta Conveyance Project as a component of the lower-cost and diversified portfolios.

To read more about the Delta Conveyance Project, please visit the California Department of Water Resources website at water.ca.gov/deltaconveyance.

Photo information: A drone view of the California Aqueduct near Bethany Reservoir. Courtesy of Andrew Nixon / California Department of Water Resources.

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 350 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.