This project supports Valley Water’s long-term efforts to ensure that existing flood protection infrastructure continues to function sustainably and provide the level of service originally intended. The project includes: (1) assessing and prioritizing existing creek and watershed infrastructure; (2) preparing watershed and/or creek asset management plans; and (3) implementing recommendations of asset management plans.
Undertaking this project provides for adaptive management of existing infrastructure, ensuring infrastructure continues to provide flood protection and public safety as climate and other changes evolve.
- Developed a process for assessing, prioritizing, and identifying creek infrastructure improvement projects. Completed May 2021.
- Assessed and prioritized all Valley Water-owned creeks. Completed January 2022.
- Completed initial strategic planning for a total of 19 creeks, to identify potential planning studies, asset management plans, infrastructure improvement projects, and/or to continue existing operations and maintenance management strategies.
- Continued strategic planning for remaining creeks, including re-evaluation of creeks for asset management planning purposes and/or based on changes in asset condition and risk (i.e., post-construction, post-storm events, significant climate events, and/or asset near end of useful life)
- Stevens Creek Asset Management Plan in progress (85% complete).
- Completed Regnart Creek Geomorphic Study
- Initiated Watersheds Asset Management Plan Update in October 2023. Remaining work on the Watersheds Asset Management Plan Update will be carried out under Asset Management Program
- Determined that the Regnart Creek Rehabilitation Project (from Festival Drive to Bubb Road) shall be initiated for design and construction in FY27.
October 2023
FY22-36 Key Performance Indicator for the Safe, Clean Water Program
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Provide up to $7.5 million in the first 15-year period to plan, design and construct projects identified through Watersheds asset management plans.
Benefits
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Ensures that existing flood protection infrastructure continues to function sustainably and provide the level of service originally intended
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Preserves and extends the life of flood protection infrastructure
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Strengthens the reliability of flood protection infrastructure
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.