This project supports the Valley Water’s ongoing coordination with local cities and agencies to clean up large creekside encampments that contaminate waterways and damage Valley Water facilities. This cooperative effort includes local police departments, social services, and nonprofit advocacy groups that help provide alternatives to homelessness.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, through Quarter 3 (July 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021)
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Due to COVID-19 pandemic 17 encampment sites were cleaned up through FY21 Q3.
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The Center for Disease Control guidance suspended homeless encampment abatements until further notice is received that it is safe for all involved to proceed. Local agencies, including Valley Water ceased encampment cleanups with the exception of a threat or endangerment to health and/or safety to unsheltered individuals or the general public.
Updated April 2021
Key Performance Indicator for the Safe, Clean Water program
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Perform 52 annual cleanups for the duration of the Safe, Clean Water Program to reduce the amount of trash and pollutants entering the streams.
Benefits
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Reduces trash and other pollutant loads in surface water, including streams, reservoirs and wetlands
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Improves the aesthetics of creeks in neighborhoods and parks
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Coordinates efforts among multiple agencies to create lasting solutions
Geographic Area of Benefit
Countywide
About the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program
In November 2012 the voters of Santa Clara County overwhelmingly approved Measure B, the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program, as a countywide special parcel tax for 15 years with a sunset date of June 30, 2028. This Program replaced the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Plan, which voters approved in November 2000.
The Safe, Clean Water Program was developed with input from more than 16,000 residents and stakeholders and was created to match the community’s needs and values. The voters of Santa Clara County identified five priorities:
Priority A: Ensure a Safe, Reliable Water Supply
Priority B: Reduce Toxins, Hazards and Contaminants in our Waterways
Priority C: Protect our Water Supply from Earthquakes and Natural Disasters
Priority D: Restore Wildlife Habitat and Provide Open Space
Priority E: Provide Flood Protection to Homes, Businesses, Schools and Highways
Other: Six projects from the Clean, Safe, Creeks Plan have been carried forward into the Safe, Clean Water Program.
Each year, Valley Water prepares a report providing a progress update for each of these Program priorities, along with fiscal year accomplishments.
To ensure transparency and accountability to the voters, the ballot measure also created an Independent Monitoring Committee, appointed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors. The Independent Monitoring Committee annually reviews the Program’s progress to ensure the outcomes are achieved in a cost-efficient manner and reports its findings to the Board.
In addition, the Program requires three independent audits, the first of which was conducted in FY 2017.