How, when and where you can provide feedback during Valley Water’s 2023-24 rate-setting process

March 21, 2023

Water is our most precious resource, and we must do all we can to protect it. Long-term water supply planning and investments in infrastructure help Valley Water better prepare for future unknowns. Water rates help fund these infrastructure projects and programs that ensure Santa Clara County continues to have safe, clean water.

To continue meeting the ongoing needs of the community, we want to hear from you. Public input is vital to the rate-setting process. Valley Water hosts a series of public hearings and an open house where you can weigh in on the proposed budget. Meeting details are listed below and on our webpage.

You can also provide feedback on the budget using Valley Water’s Balancing Act, an online budget simulation tool. Balancing Act is an easy way for anyone to learn about Valley Water's revenue and spending and then provide input directly to the Board of Directors on where they think spending should be prioritized.

At the end of February, Valley Water staff published the 2023-24 Protection and Augmentation of Water Supplies, or PAWS 2023 Report. This report outlines the financial and water supply information that forms the basis for the fiscal year 2023-2024 water charges. You can find the full report on our website.

Important dates

Open house and public hearings

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

Public hearing (Opens*)
Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.
Valley Water Board Meeting
Zoom meeting

South County open house
Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
City of Morgan Hill Council Chamber Building 17555 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

South County public hearing
Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
City of Morgan Hill Council Chamber Building 17555 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Zoom meeting

Public hearing (Closes*)
Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.
Valley Water Board Meeting
Zoom meeting

*The first public hearing is the opening date for public comments on the proposed rates. The final public hearing is the closing date for public comments.

Workshops

Proposed Biennial Operating and Capital Budget Board Work Study Session
Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
Valley Water Board Meeting
Zoom meeting

Proposed Biennial Operating and Capital Budget Board Work Study Session *
Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
Valley Water Board Meeting
Zoom meeting

*April 27 session will be hosted if the April 26 workshop runs over time.

Budget and groundwater production charges

Adopt budget & groundwater production charges
Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.
Valley Water Board Meeting
Zoom meeting

We look forward to working through this process with you. Visit our groundwater rates webpage to learn more about the process and current charges. Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest information on rates and public hearings: Facebook | 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 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.