F8: Sustainable Creek Infrastructure for Continued Public Safety*

Status

Active; Adjusted

Location

Countywide

Schedule

Start FY 2022 / Finish FY 2036

Funding

Safe, Clean Water Fund ($7.5 million); Watershed Stream Stewardship Fund

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.

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

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)
In FY24, the Regnart Creek Rehabilitation Project (from Festival Drive to Bubb Road) was selected for design and construction.
In FY26, the 60% Design phase began in October 2025 including additional survey and field work. The 60% design is anticipated to be completed by July 2026.

Completed Milestones:

Stevens Creek Asset Management Plan. Completed May 2024.
Regnart Creek Geomorphic Study. Initially completed February 2024; revised April 2024.
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.
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. Completed August 2023.
Assessed and prioritized all Valley Water-owned creeks. Completed January 2022.
Developed a process for assessing, prioritizing, and identifying creek infrastructure improvement projects. Completed May 2021

February 2026

For more information:

Mohammad Hussaini, 408-630-2826

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)
In FY24, the Regnart Creek Rehabilitation Project (from Festival Drive to Bubb Road) was selected for design and construction.
In FY26, the 60% Design phase began in October 2025 including additional survey and field work. The 60% design is anticipated to be completed by July 2026.

Completed Milestones:

Stevens Creek Asset Management Plan. Completed May 2024.
Regnart Creek Geomorphic Study. Initially completed February 2024; revised April 2024.
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.
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. Completed August 2023.
Assessed and prioritized all Valley Water-owned creeks. Completed January 2022.
Developed a process for assessing, prioritizing, and identifying creek infrastructure improvement projects. Completed May 2021

February 2026

For more information:

Mohammad Hussaini, 408-630-2826

Draft Watersheds Operations & Maintenance and Asset Renewal Plan (FY24-28)

Regnart Creek Rehabilitation Design Study

Safe, Clean Water Program Documents

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

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

Ensures that existing flood protection infrastructure continues to function sustainably and provide the level of service originally intended
Preserves and extends the life of flood protection infrastructure
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.

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.