A collaboration between Valley Water, the San Benito County Water District, and the Pacheco Pass Water District, the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project is a strategic and long-term investment toward ensuring a more reliable supply of safe, clean drinking water in the face of climate change.
The project will boost Pacheco Reservoir’s operational capacity from 5,500 acre-feet to up to 140,000 acre-feet, enough to supply up to 1.4 million residents with water for one year in an emergency. The project will also reduce the frequency and severity of water shortages during droughts, protect our drinking water supply and infrastructure, and improve fish habitat.
Valley Water releases Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Design Level Geotechnical Investigations for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project
Valley Water has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Design Level Geotechnical Investigations for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project and is now accepting public comments.
The Draft EIR complies with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which requires public agencies to evaluate a project's potential impacts and identify steps to minimize those impacts. Valley Water proposes to conduct geotechnical investigations to help gather essential information about the soil and rock characteristics at the site. This information would be used to finalize the design of the proposed Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project to reflect the improved understanding of geotechnical conditions. Valley Water is currently evaluating the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project as part of a separate CEQA analysis.
You can review the Draft EIR online at valleywater.org/public-review-documents. It is also available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Valley Water’s headquarters at 5700 Almaden Expressway in San Jose. Copies are also at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library reference desk at 150 E San Fernando St. in San Jose and the Gilroy Library reference desk at 350 W. Sixth Street in Gilroy.
The public comment period on the draft closes on April 25, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Written comments on the Draft EIR should be submitted electronically to [email protected] or via mail to:
Valley Water
Attention: DLGI Draft EIR Comments
5750 Almaden Expressway San Jose, CA 95118
Please contact Todd Sexauer at [email protected] to learn more.
Staff to provide a project update to the Board of Directors on March 11, 2025
Valley Water staff will provide an informational update on the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project to the Board of Directors at its meeting on March 11, 2025. The presentation will include a general overview of the project and updates on schedule changes resulting from delays in the geotechnical investigations.
The meeting begins at 1 p.m. Anyone interested can attend in person at the Valley Water Boardroom located at 5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 9512. You can also view online at valleywater.zoom.us/j/84454515597.
Visit our website to review the agenda and project attachments scvwd.legistar.com/Calendar.
Valley Water will be preparing an environmental impact report for the proposed geotechnical investigations for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project; a virtual scoping meeting was held on Oct. 17
On June 17, 2024, Valley Water issued a Notice of Intent to adopt an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the Design Level Geotechnical Investigations for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project, in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines. The proposed geotechnical investigations would be conducted to help gather essential information about the soil and rock characteristics at the project site.
The public comment period on the IS/MND closed on July 19, 2024.
In consideration of comments received on the Draft IS/MND, Valley Water has decided to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Design Level Geotechnical Investigations for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project. The EIR will re-evaluate the proposed Design Level Geotechnical Investigations and consider comments received on the IS/MND, as well as comments received through the scoping process for the EIR to determine if the project would result in any significant environmental effects.
The Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft EIR was issued on Oct. 1, 2024, and is available for review at https://www.valleywater.org/public-review-documents. Valley Water sought input from public agencies, members of the public, and other interested parties on the scope of issues and content of the environmental information that should be included in the Draft EIR.
Valley Water held a virtual public scoping meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, to share information on the latest news about the scope and content of the Project EIR that Valley Water will be preparing.
The presentation and a recording of the meeting are available to view:
- View the presentation here.
- View the meeting recording here.
Previous staff updates to the Board of Directors
Valley Water staff provides regular updates to the Board of Directors regarding the proposed Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project. The previous updates were held on:
Oct. 8, 2024. Focused on the project's unique requirements and resulting benefits.
June 11, 2024. Focused on cost and financing of the proposed project.
Feb. 13, 2024. Focused on project's operations and benefits.
Aug. 22, 2023: Focused on a general informational update.
March 16, 2023: Focused on a general informational update and included a work-study session on the proposed project. The meeting included staff updates on the Water Supply Strategy and the Water Supply Master Plan
Visit our website to review the agenda and project attachments https://scvwd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
Pacheco Reservoir Expansion removed from Safe, Clean Water Program
On April 9, 2024, the Valley Water Board of Directors (Board) held a formal public hearing and approved not implementing Project A1: Pacheco Reservoir Expansion (Project A1) under the Safe, Clean Water Program, thereby removing the project from the program. The Board's decision was in response to funding gaps resulting from rising infrastructure project construction costs and growing community expectations impacting the progress of other projects.
Safe, Clean Water Project A1 was one of the three renewed Safe, Clean Water projects with a fiscal-based KPI. The deliverable was not to construct a project directly, but to allocate up to $10 million to help construct the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project (Pacheco Project). The $10 million allocation constituted less than half a percent of the Pacheco Project’s estimated total cost in FY24. The Safe, Clean Water funding was scheduled to be transferred to the Water Utility Fund over a period of seven years (from FY2026 to FY2032), amounting to approximately $1.4 million annually.
The Pacheco Project, which continues to be part of Valley Water’s Capital Improvement Program, is primarily funded by the Water Utility Fund and has continued to progress without any contributions from the renewed Safe, Clean Water Program. Given the project’s other funding sources and relatively minor contributions from the renewed Safe, Clean Water Program, the absence of a $10 million allocation is not expected to significantly impact the Pacheco Project advancement.
Valley Water released environmental document for proposed geotechnical investigations to inform proposed Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project design and planning
On June 17, 2024, Valley Water issued a Notice of Intent to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for Design Level Geotechnical Investigations for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project (proposed Project), in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines.
Valley Water would be conducting geotechnical investigations to help gather essential information about the soil and rock characteristics at the Pacheco Reservoir site in Santa Clara County. This information would be used to finalize design of the proposed Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project, which could increase the storage capacity of the existing reservoir from 5,500 acre-feet to up to 140,000 acre-feet. The IS/MND, which is available for public review, evaluates the environmental impacts related to these proposed geotechnical investigations.
The public comment period on the IS/MND closed on July 19, 2024, at 5 p.m.
Staff provided project updates to the California Water Commission
On April 17, 2024, Valley Water staff provided a project update to the California Water Commission. To view the agenda and more information visit: https://cwc.ca.gov/Meetings/All-Meetings/2024/Meeting-of-the-California-Water-Commission-Apr-17-2024
On Oct. 18, 2023, Valley Water staff provided a project update to the California Water Commission. To view a recording of the meeting, visit https://cwc.ca.gov/Meetings/All-Meetings/2023/Meeting-of-the-California-Water-Commission-Oct-18-2023.
You can download the PowerPoint presentation here.
The public review period closed for Draft Environmental Impact Report on the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project
Valley Water appreciates the comments received. Valley Water will spend the next several months reviewing the written comments to incorporate into the Draft EIR.
Virtual public information meeting held for Draft Environmental Impact Report on the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project
Valley Water held a public meeting on Jan. 13, 2022, presented the draft EIR and answered questions. The Valley Water Board of Directors will consider approval of the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project following the completion of the Final Environmental Impact Report.
If you missed the meeting on Jan. 13, 2022, you can watch the recording by clicking on the link below.
Valley Water releases Draft Environmental Impact Report on the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project
The draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was made available for public review beginning Nov. 17, 2021. The public comment period ended on Feb. 15, 2022.
To review the draft EIR, click here.
Valley Water's Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project continues to remain eligible for state funding and will request federal assistance
On Nov. 9, 2021, the Valley Water Board of Directors unanimously approved a funding commitment for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project to remain eligible for up to $496 million in conditional funding from the state’s Prop 1 Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP).
On Dec. 15, 2021, the California Water Commission found the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project to be feasible and remain eligible or up to $496 million in conditional funding from WSIP.
On March 16, 2022, the California Water Commission increased the potential funding amounts for the seven projects in WSIP, increasing the total conditional funding for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project to $504 million.
The WSIP funding represents a significant portion of the Pacheco project’s estimated $2.5 billion cost. Valley Water is exploring various dam alternatives that could reduce the cost to $2 billion.
We are actively looking at ways to bring down the costs to ratepayers. Beyond the $504 million in state money, we are looking at federal grants and the Biden administration’s infrastructure package. In April 2022, Valley Water applied for a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan, a low-cost federal loan that is typically cheaper than what Valley Water can borrow on its own, bringing down the financing costs needed to fund the project.
Be Heard!
To share your ideas and feedback about the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project, please visit our online engagement site Be Heard Valley Water.
Virtual public scoping meetings and open house
Valley Water issued a Notice of Preparation for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project in 2017 and solicited public scoping comments at that time. In February 2021, Valley Water hosted two virtual public scoping meetings and shared the news about the scope and content of the Project EIR that Valley Water was preparing. If you missed the meetings, you can watch the recordings by clicking on the links below.
Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, from 1-3 p.m.
Please click here to read the Notice of Virtual Public Scoping Meetings and Open House
If you would like to see the presentation prior to the scoping meetings, please see the pre-recorded video below:
Click here to view the PowerPoint presentation for the above recording
Notice of Preparation and Initial Study (2017)
Updates
- (01/11/2021 update) Update to the proposed expansion of Pacheco Reservoir includes changes to the dam, spillway and increased costs
- (01/31/2020 update) Expanding Pacheco Reservoir will ensure a more reliable supply of safe, clean drinking water for our region.
- (Jan 2020 update) Valley Water is now offering free half-day bus tours to some of our water infrastructure facilities. To learn more about upcoming tour dates and sign up, please visit our public tours webpage.
Water is our most precious resource. Climate change, droughts, and population growth pose significant challenges for the reliability of our water supply. Preparing for future dry years by ensuring a reliable supply of safe, clean drinking water is vital for the region. The Pacheco Project will help us provide a more reliable supply for you and your family.
Join the growing list of supporters
Join our efforts to bring this project to fruition. There is much to like in the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project as it delivers on the promises that earned a “Yes” vote for Prop. 1 by nearly three of every four San Benito and Santa Clara county voters in 2014.
Be a part of the 62 environmental, community, non-profit and businesses organizations, along with elected leaders, who have submitted letters supporting the project. Please join this wide-ranging group of supporters.
We are committed to keeping you informed with our progress and to provide opportunities for your input on this project. Please sign up for progress updates.
Attachments
- Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project Brochure (May 2023)
- Planning Study Report (January 2023)
- Draft Environmental Impact Report (Nov. 17, 2021)
- Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project Frequently Asked Questions (February 2021)
- Pacheco Reservoir Project - Public Benefits Fact Sheet August 2019
- Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project - Information Sheet March 2019
- Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project Water Commission presentation Dec 2017
- Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project - Public Benefits Fact Sheet 2018
- Notice of Preparation and Initial Study (2017)
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Ensuring a more reliable supply of safe, clean drinking water
Safe and Clean Drinking Water – Emergency Water Supply – Improving Habitat for Fish – Flood Risk Reduction
A collaboration between Valley Water, the Pacheco Pass Water District and the San Benito County Water District, the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project is a strategic and long-term investment toward building a more reliable water supply in the face of climate change. The increased storage capacity at Pacheco Reservoir will nearly equal the capacity of Valley Water’s ten other reservoirs combined.
The project will also reduce the frequency and severity of water shortages during droughts, protect our drinking water supply and infrastructure, and improve habitat for fish. The Pacheco Project has also been named as the preliminary preferred option to address an issue of algae growth at San Luis Reservoir. Read more about the connection between the Pacheco Project and San Luis Reservoir here.
What does an expanded Pacheco Reservoir mean to us?
In Santa Clara and San Benito counties, about 40% of our water supply currently comes from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. In the event of an earthquake, Delta levee failure or other major catastrophe, we could lose that water for up to 18 months. The project will boost Pacheco Reservoir’s operational capacity from 5,500 acre-feet to up to 140,000 acre-feet, enough to supply up to 1.4 million residents for one year in an emergency.
In Santa Clara County, nearly half of all our water is pumped from underground basins.
During droughts and emergencies, there is a greater reliance on these aquifers, but overpumping groundwater could result in subsidence (the sinking of earth’s surface), which causes permanent damage to roads, bridges and pipelines. Expanding Pacheco Reservoir would double the amount of water we can store above ground, making us less reliant on our groundwater supply during droughts, which would replenish the groundwater supply and protect overlying infrastructure.
By expanding Pacheco Reservoir, managed water flows from the reservoir into Pacheco Creek would increase the quality of fish habitat downstream. The expanded reservoir would provide suitable flow and water temperatures to Pacheco Creek and improve approximately 10 miles of habitat to support the migration and survival of the South Central California Coast Steelhead.
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.
Geographic Area of Benefit:
Countywide
About Pacheco Reservoir
Located on the lower end of North Fork Pacheco Creek, the expanded reservoir project includes the construction of an earthen dam made of rock and soil upstream of the existing dam, a pump station, a pipeline and other supporting items. The expanded reservoir would be filled by a combination of rainfall, runoff from the watershed upstream of the new dam, and imported water supplies.
Water released from the reservoir will help threatened fish by keeping the Pacheco Creek flowing, before seeping into the underlying groundwater aquifer as it winds toward where it meets the Pajaro River.
The aquifer fed by Pacheco Reservoir begins at its northern tip in Santa Clara County and extends south into San Benito County. Agricultural users served by the Pacheco Pass and San Benito County water districts pump water from this aquifer.
Funding the project
In 2017, Valley Water, Pacheco Pass Water District and the San Benito County Water District collaborated in securing $484.5 million of the $1 billion project cost to increase Pacheco Reservoir's storage capacity and deliver water supply, water quality and ecosystems benefits to the region and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Funding to expand Pacheco Reservoir, located 60 miles southeast of San Jose, was secured from California’s Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014. The Act, passed by state voters as Proposition 1, provided $2.7 billion for investments in surface and groundwater storage projects, under the Act’s Water Storage Investment Program.
In early 2021, the Pacheco project was awarded about $12 million in additional funding from Prop 1, bringing the total to about $486.6 million. You can see all the projects that have received funding from Prop 1 at the California Water Commission website.
Currently, Valley Water has entered into an early funding agreement for $24.2 million with the California Water Commission to share project planning and environmental studies costs. Valley Water is presently conducting studies, investigations and surveys to design and evaluate potential environmental impacts and feasibility. The draft environmental impact report is expected to be released by 2022.
In 2020, Valley Water performed a more detailed design study which included an updated cost estimate. This design study indicated that construction costs for the proposed project had increased to about $2.5 billion, prompted largely by major changes to the dam and spillway design.
In November 2020, Santa Clara County voters approved the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program, which provides up to $10 Million to help construct the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project.
In April 2024, the Valley Water Board of Directors held a formal public hearing and approved not implementing the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project under the Safe, Clean Water Program. This decision was in response to funding gaps resulting from rising infrastructure project construction costs and growing community expectations impacting the progress of other projects in the Safe, Clean Water Program
Staff is available to provide presentations to civic, neighborhood, and stakeholder groups. To request a presentation, please contact: Mark Gomez, [email protected], or (408) 630-2985. You may also review the project’s frequently asked questions to learn more about the benefits.
Updated: November 2024