A3: Pipeline Reliability*

Status

Active

Phase

Construction

Location

Saratoga, Cupertino and San José

Schedule

Start FY 2019 / Finish FY 2029

Funding

Safe, Clean Water Fund ($23.3 million)

This project constructs four (4) line valves at various locations along the East, West and Snell treated water pipelines in Saratoga, Cupertino and San José.

Continued from the 2012 Safe, Clean Water Program, this project will allow Valley Water to isolate sections of pipelines for scheduled maintenance and repairs following a catastrophic event, such as a major earthquake, and allow the network of emergency wells to operate, even when there is damage upstream and downstream of individual wells.

*This project was voter approved as part of the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.

This Project includes the construction of one line valve along the Snell Pipeline, two valves along the West Pipeline, and one line valve along the East Pipeline. Installation of the four line valves is being scheduled in conjunction with the 10-Year Pipeline Inspection and Rehabilitation Program. The construction of the final valve is scheduled to be completed in FY29.

In FY26 Q3 (January 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026), Valley Water completed installation of the West Pipeline valve near Quito Road in Saratoga, and continued construction activities for the West Pipeline line valve near Granada Avenue in Cupertino.

Construction of the Snell Pipeline valve began in FY24; however, due to increased material lead times, installation could not be done in FY24 and was deferred to FY28 to align with the 10-Year Pipeline Inspection and Rehabilitation Program. The Snell Pipeline valve is now anticipated to be completed in FY29.

The 100% design documents for the four (4) line valves were completed in FY22.

April 2026

For more information:

Matthew Tan, (408) 630-2665
Project Questions: Aimee Green, Public Information Representative, (408) 630-2342

The 100% design documents for the four (4) line valves were completed in FY22.

April 2026

For more information:

Matthew Tan, (408) 630-2665
Project Questions: Aimee Green, Public Information Representative, (408) 630-2342

No current documents.

Safe, Clean Water Program Documents

FY22-36 Key Performance Indicator for the Safe, Clean Water Program

Install 4 new line valves on treated water distribution pipelines.

Benefits

Supports shorter service interruption in the case of a pipeline break.
Provides operational flexibility for pipeline maintenance work.
Improves drinking water reliability.
Reduces the amount of water released in streams in the event of a pipeline maintenance or repair

Geographic Area of Benefit

Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Campbell, San José and Milpitas

About the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program

In November 2020, voters in Santa Clara County overwhelmingly approved Measure S, a renewal of Valley Water’s Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.

The program was first passed by voters in 2000 as the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Program, then again in 2012 as the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program. The renewal of the Safe, Clean Water Program will continue to provide approximately $47 million annually for local projects that deliver safe, clean water, natural flood protection, and environmental stewardship to all the communities we serve in Santa Clara County.

While evaluating ways to improve the 2012 program, Valley Water gathered feedback from more than 21,000 community members. That helped Valley Water create the six priorities for the renewed Safe, Clean Water Program, which are:

Priority A: Ensure a Safe, Reliable Water Supply
Priority B: Reduce Toxins, Hazards and Contaminants in our Waterways
Priority C: Protect our Water Supply and Dams from Earthquakes and Other Natural Disasters
Priority D: Restore Wildlife Habitat and Provide Open Space
Priority E: Provide Flood Protection to Homes, Businesses, Schools, Streets and Highways
Priority F: Support Public Health and Public Safety for Our Community

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. Additionally, the IMC also reviews each proposed 5-year implementation plan prior to its submittal for Board approval.

In addition, the program requires three independent audits.

View the Safe, Clean Water Program’s annual reports, annual IMC audit reports, and independent audits, including a staff response, on the Valley Water website.