Valley Water statement on Pacheco project and geotechnical investigations

May 23, 2023

As our region contends with warmer and drier weather, Valley Water is exploring options to increase the amount of water it can store in local reservoirs. The stark reality of climate change is upon us, and our region needs a place to quickly store precipitation when it falls as rain instead of snow. Valley Water is exploring an all-of-the-above climate resilience solution which includes conservation, advance purified water, surface storage, groundwater recharge, stormwater capture and more.

One of the projects being evaluated is the proposed expansion of Pacheco Reservoir, which will increase the storage capacity of the existing reservoir from 5,500 acre-feet to up to 140,000 acre-feet. In addition to safeguarding future water supplies, this project will provide increased emergency water supplies for Santa Clara County, improve water quality and provide ecosystem benefits. The project also will improve and create new habitat for South-Central California Coast Steelhead, a species threatened with extinction.

The expanded Pacheco Reservoir will incidentally reduce flood risk along Pacheco Creek and downstream Pajaro River by holding back peak flows, offering some relief to disadvantaged communities in Dunneville, Watsonville and Pajaro, including areas recently flooded during the atmospheric river storms last January.

On Thursday, May 18, Valley Water received a court ruling related to the project’s current geotechnical investigations. We take this court opinion seriously and are evaluating our next steps. Valley Water’s staff and consultants will continue working on the Pacheco project’s design, environmental assessment, and financial feasibility.

Valley Water will also continue to work with regulatory agencies and engage with community stakeholders on this project.

Ryan McCarter, Acting Deputy Operating Officer, Valley Water

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.