This project covers the development of an automated flood warning system that uses real-time rainfall data to predict stream flows and potential flood risk. The system efficiently disseminates information to emergency responders and the public using the web, text, automated calls and other technologies, allowing more time to activate flood-fighting measures and reduce flood damage.
This past winter was relatively dry which resulted in very little live testing of the flood forecast system. The current system has 5 general locations: Upper Guadalupe River (which includes Ross Creek and Guadalupe River); West Little Llagas Creek; San Francisquito Creek; Uvas Creek; and Upper Penitencia Creek. Additionally, reservoir inflows are included for many Valley Water facilities.
We have also launched a beta version of the new ALERT surface water monitoring website. This new site is under testing and consolidates several existing web pages which display recorded sensor data and flood stages. In addition, the stream and reservoir forecasts are also being displayed.
Coordination continues with NOAA’s Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information (AQPI) Project, with NOAA working on providing an additional “blend forecast”, which will combine their best short, mid, and long range rainfall forecasting models.
Updated April 2021
No current documents.
Key Performance Indicator for the Safe, Clean Water Program
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Map, install, and maintain gauging stations and computer software on seven flood-prone reaches to generate and disseminate flood warnings.
Benefits
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Enhances interagency response to storm-related emergencies
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Improves the accuracy of flood forecasting services
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Helps municipalities and neighborhoods lessen flood impacts
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Maintains access to technical resources that assist municipalities with floodplain management
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Promotes community awareness of flood risks
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Implements risk reduction strategies consistent with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System as appropriate
Geographic Area of Benefit
Countywide
About the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program
In November 2012 the voters of Santa Clara County overwhelmingly approved Measure B, the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program, as a countywide special parcel tax for 15 years with a sunset date of June 30, 2028. This Program replaced the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Plan, which voters approved in November 2000.
The Safe, Clean Water Program was developed with input from more than 16,000 residents and stakeholders and was created to match the community’s needs and values. The voters of Santa Clara County identified five priorities:
Priority A: Ensure a Safe, Reliable Water Supply
Priority B: Reduce Toxins, Hazards and Contaminants in our Waterways
Priority C: Protect our Water Supply from Earthquakes and Natural Disasters
Priority D: Restore Wildlife Habitat and Provide Open Space
Priority E: Provide Flood Protection to Homes, Businesses, Schools and Highways
Other: Six projects from the Clean, Safe, Creeks Plan have been carried forward into the Safe, Clean Water Program.
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.
In addition, the Program requires three independent audits, the first of which was conducted in FY 2017.