F1: Vegetation Control and Sediment Removal for Capacity*

Status

Active

Location

Countywide

Schedule

Start FY 2022 / Finish FY 2036

Funding

Safe, Clean Water Fund ($103.7 million); Watershed Stream Stewardship Fund

This project supports Valley Water’s ongoing vegetation control and sediment removal activities that reduce flood risk by maintaining the design conveyance capacity of flood protection projects. The project includes controlling in-stream vegetation and tree growth and removing sediment at appropriate intervals. Before carrying out in-stream maintenance, Valley Water’s personnel perform biological pre-construction surveys to minimize environmental impacts. This project also helps fund future maintenance of flood protection projects completed under the Safe, Clean Water Program.

This project comprises two (2) sub-projects that support Valley Water’s ongoing vegetation control and sediment removal activities. These sub-projects are:

F1.1 Vegetation Control for Capacity
F1.2 Sediment Removal for Capacity

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

KPI #1: Maintain completed flood protection projects for flow conveyance.

F1.1: Vegetation Control for Capacity

Valley Water completed 1693.5 acres of in-stream vegetation management to reduce flood risk along 173 miles of streams throughout the county using an integrated combination of mechanical, hand labor, and herbicide methods through FY26 Q3 (July 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026).

F1.2: Sediment Removal for Capacity

Valley Water removed approximately 24,109 cubic yards of sediment on 20 projects from various creeks throughout the county to maintain design capacity through FY26 Q3 (July 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026).

April 2026

Example Vegetation Removal

Hand crews performing in-stream vegetation removal on Guadalupe River.

Mechanical vegetation removal on Guadalupe River with amphibious Marsh Master®

Vegetation removal on Guadalupe River, downstream of Coleman Ave

For more information:

Vegetation Management

Rebecca Wolff, (408) 630-2386

Sediment Removal

Ryan Tregoning, (408) 630-3195

Safe Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Interactive Map

Example Sediment Removal

Loaders piling sediment for removal from Adobe Creek, upstream of US-101.

Excavator and track loader removing sediment from the low flow channel and flood plain on Guadalupe River, upstream of Coleman Ave.

KPI #1: Maintain completed flood protection projects for flow conveyance.

F1.1: Vegetation Control for Capacity

F1.2: Sediment Removal for Capacity

April 2026

Example Vegetation Removal

For more information:

Vegetation Management

Rebecca Wolff, (408) 630-2386

Sediment Removal

Ryan Tregoning, (408) 630-3195

Example Sediment Removal

Stream Maintenance Fact Sheet

F1 Fact Sheet (May 2022)

Creek Capacity Management Approach

SMP Sediment Removal Sites

Safe, Clean Water Program Documents

All annual reports, annual IMC audit reports and independent audits

Key Performance Indicator (FY22-36)

Maintain completed flood protection projects for flow conveyance.

Benefits

Ensures that existing flood protection projects continue to provide flood protection
Improves water quality

Geographic Area of Benefit

Countywide

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 Plan, 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.