Skip to main content
  • Permits and District Business
  • Valley Water Websites

Home

Main navigation

    • Permits and District Business
    • Valley Water Websites
  • For Residents
    Highlights
    Access Valley Water
    Easily send requests, reports or feedback directly to helpful district staff.
    Rebates & Surveys
    Programs and rebates helping you save water and money.
    Water Conservation
    Learn the best ways to save water indoors and outdoors.
    Find My Water Retailer
    Find your local retailer who provides water service directly to your home.
    Emergency & Planning
    Flood Emergency Action Plans
    Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
    Get Flood Ready
    Preparation for Extended Power Outages
    Alert System Real Time Data
    Levee Safety
    Save Water & Money
    Rebates & Surveys
    Watersavings.org
    Current Water Charges
    Water Savings Videos
    Indoor Conservation
    Outdoor Conservation
    Projects & Plans
    Projects In Your Neighbourhood
    Creek & River Projects
    Dam & Reservoir Projects
    Grants and Environmental Protection
    Infrastructure Improvement Projects
    Climate Change Action Plan
    Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program
    Studies and Reports
    Hydraulic Model Data (HEC)
    Stream Maintenance Program
  • Your Water
    Highlights
    Current Water Charges
    Find the current adopted water charges for private well owners, agricultural and wholesale customers by zone.
    Popular Documents and Data
    Find frequently requested Valley Water documents, reports, and data in one place.
    Water Quality
    Learn how we ensure Santa Clara County has access to safe, clean water.
    Water Supply Master Plan
    Learn how we plan for future water needs and manage supplies during droughts and changing conditions.
    Water Sources
    Groundwater
    Imported Water
    Local Dams and Reservoirs
    Recycled and Purified Water
    Where your water comes from
    Information & Resources
    GIS Data
    Glossary of Water Terms
    District Library
    Popular Documents and Data
    Local Dams and Reservoirs
    Water Planning
    Water Supply Master Plan
    Water Supply Planning
    Water Treatment
    Water Treatment Plants
    Water Quality
  • Learning Center
    Highlights
    Grants & Partnerships
    Find out how to apply for grants and partner with Valley Water on local water and environmental projects.
    Water Education Programs
    Our program offers assemblies, in-person and virtual lessons and field trips.
    Volunteer & Engage
    Help support our cleanup efforts in Santa Clara County.
    Public Tours
    Discover Valley Water's safe & sustainable water solutions through free public tours.
    Learning & Exploration
    Next Gen Career Pathways Program
    Water Education programs and Events
    Water 101 Academy
    Public Tours
    Local Dams and Reservoirs
    Volunteer Engagement
    Volunteer and Engage
    Valley Water Youth Commission
    Adopt a Creek
    Grants & Partnerships
    Public Art
    Environmental Science & Conservation
    Healthy Creeks and Ecosystems
    Watersheds of Santa Clara Valley
    The Water Treatment Process
    Aerial Drone Pilot Program
  • News & Events
    Highlights
    Valley Water News
    Learn more about the latest headlines and announcements from around the district.
    Events
    Find district events happening on variety of topics.
    Videos
    Stay up to date with the latest videos from the district.
    Public Records
    Public Records feature many commonly requested documents and data sets.
    Recent News
    Image
    Banner showing a reservoir at sunset with the headline “Protect Our Reservoirs.” It warns that golden mussels threaten local recreation and urges boaters and anglers to “Clean. Drain. Dry.” Icons show prohibited wet live bait (fish, crayfish, mussels) and steps to stop the spread: remove plants, drain water, and wipe down equipment. Footer includes ValleyWater.org/GoldenMussels and logos for Santa Clara County Parks and Valley Water.
    April 3, 2026
    Golden mussels in California: What Santa Clara County needs to know

    California’s water infrastructure is facing a new threat—one that’s tiny, invasive, and alarmingly fast-spreading. Golden mussels, native to Asia, were first detected in the Delta in 2024 and have spread to several California waterbodies hydrologically connected to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, including San Luis Reservoir. These invaders pose a serious risk to water delivery systems across the state, including those serving Santa Clara County.

    Why golden mussels are a threat

    Read More
    Image
    Youth Commission video contest banner
    March 27, 2026
    Calling young creators: Inspire water conservation in our Every Drop Counts video contest

    By the Valley Water Youth Commission 

    How would you inspire your community to save water in just 60 seconds? That’s the challenge for middle and high school students in our Every Drop Counts Video Contest. 

    We are hosting our first-ever video contest for middle and high school students, and the theme is water conservation. Students are invited to grab the mic, show off their creativity, and inspire their community to protect one of our most important resources, water! 

    Read More
    Image
    Valley Water sign
    March 25, 2026
    Statement From Valley Water Board Chair Tony Estremera regarding César Chávez Day

    The annual César Chávez Day has long represented more than the life of one person. It is a moment to recognize the broader fight for dignity, fair treatment, and the rights of farmworkers and working people whose labor sustains our communities.

    Read More
  • About Valley Water
    Highlights
    Mission, Vision and Values
    Learn about our core mission, vision for the future, and the values that guide us.
    Board of Directors
    Meet the board members who provide leadership and oversight for Valley Water.
    Finance/Budget
    Access financial information, budgets, and fiscal reports for transparency.
    Committees
    Explore our various committees and their roles in district governance.
    Careers
    Explore our current job openings and benefits.
    Leadership
    Board of Directors
    Board Meetings Agendas & Minutes
    Committees
    Redistricting
    Board Governance Policies
    Accountability
    Public Records
    Lobbyist Ordinance
    Grand Jury Reports
    Enterprise Systems
    Information & Resources
    Finance/Budget
    Capital Improvement Program
    Public Facilities Financing Corporation
    Community Engagement
    Renewed Safe, Clean Water & Natural Flood Protection: Independent Monitoring Committee
    Committees
    Community Partnering Sponsorship Program
  • Services and Support
Loading…
  • Almaden Lake Improvement Project
  • Canal Maintenance Program
  • Lower Berryessa Creek Flood Protection
  • Lower Berryessa Creek Flood Protection (Phase 3)*
  • Upper Berryessa Creek Flood Protection*
  • Calabazas Creek Bank Rehabilitation Project
  • Calabazas/San Tomas Aquino Creek-Marsh Connection Project
  • Coyote Creek Flood Protection*
  • Cunningham Flood Detention Certification
  • Ecological Data Collection and Analysis*
  • FAHCE: Fish and Aquatic Habitat Collaborative Effort
    • FAHCE Final Program Environmental Impact Report
    • FAHCE-Related Board Committee Items
    • FAHCE: Adaptive Management Program
    • FAHCE: Fish Monitoring Program
    • FAHCE-Related Board Agenda Items
    • FAHCE: Certified Final EIR
  • Fish Habitat and Passage Improvement*
  • Flood Risk Assessment Studies*
  • Lower Guadalupe River Project
  • Upper Guadalupe River Flood Protection*
  • Interagency Urban Runoff Program*
  • Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection*
  • Palo Alto Flood Basin Tide Gate Structure Replacement Project
  • Upper Penitencia Creek Flood Protection*
  • Lower Penitencia Creek Improvements Project
  • Restoration of Natural Creek Functions*
  • Permanente Creek Flood Protection*
  • San Francisco Bay Shoreline Protection*
  • San Francisquito Creek: Bay to Highway 101
  • San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection*
  • Saratoga Creek Hazard Tree Removal and Restoration Project
  • Sediment Reuse to Support Shoreline Restoration*
  • Sunnyvale East and Sunnyvale West Channels Flood Protection*
  • Vegetation Control and Sediment Removal for Capacity*
  • Vegetation Management for Access and Fire Safety*
  • Uvas Creek Levee Rehabilitation

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Project Updates
  3. Lower Guadalupe River Project

Lower Guadalupe River Project

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterMore share options
Image
Guadalupe River
Status
On Target
Phase
Design
Location
Santa Clara, San Jose
Schedule
Start FY 2019/Finish FY 2033
Funding
Watershed Stream Stewardship Fund

Valley Water is dedicated to keeping residents and businesses safe through its flood protection programs. The Lower Guadalupe River Capacity Restoration Project will restore the river’s capacity to a 1%  flood level of service and provide natural flood protection for residents and businesses. The project limits are from Tasman Drive to Bayshore Freeway/US 101 near San Jose Mineta International Airport. 

Valley Water staff completed the planning phase and are moving forward to the design phase with a recommended alternative which includes raising levees, adding retaining walls, and raising bridge headwalls. Valley Water will hold several public meetings during the design phase to provide updates to residents and gather input from the community on the project. Once the design phase is complete, the project will move into the construction phase (currently anticipated to begin in late 2027).

Past community meetings

Below are the materials and recording of the October 26, 2023 Guadalupe River Project public meeting.

Presentation

Display Boards

Project Shell

Recording of October 26, 2023 meeting

Below are the materials and recording of the October 1 Guadalupe River Project virtual public meeting. The meeting included a project overview, a presentation on the evaluated design alternatives, feedback on the conceptual alternatives, and the next steps in the planning process.

- Agenda

- Presentation

- Recording of Oct 1 virtual meeting

- Project Shell


The first public meeting was held on Sept. 23, 2019, for the community to learn about the project and provide input on the current project alternatives.

  • Meeting notice mailer
  • Meeting PowerPoint presentation
  • Video of meeting from Facebook Live

Updated October 2023.

For more information on the project, please contact:

  • Jill Pinkerton, Project Manager, (408) 630-2969
  • Erin Baker, (408) 630-2608
  • Jiana Escobar, Neighborhood Liaison, (408) 630-2266
  • Sign Up for Project Updates
  • Project Shell

Valley Water staff completed the planning phase and are moving forward to the design phase with a recommended alternative which includes raising levees, adding retaining walls, and raising bridge headwalls. Valley Water will hold several public meetings during the design phase to provide updates to residents and gather input from the community on the project. Once the design phase is complete, the project will move into the construction phase (currently anticipated to begin in late 2027).

Past community meetings

Below are the materials and recording of the October 26, 2023 Guadalupe River Project public meeting.

Presentation

Display Boards

Project Shell

Recording of October 26, 2023 meeting

Below are the materials and recording of the October 1 Guadalupe River Project virtual public meeting. The meeting included a project overview, a presentation on the evaluated design alternatives, feedback on the conceptual alternatives, and the next steps in the planning process.

- Agenda

- Presentation

- Recording of Oct 1 virtual meeting

- Project Shell


The first public meeting was held on Sept. 23, 2019, for the community to learn about the project and provide input on the current project alternatives.

  • Meeting notice mailer
  • Meeting PowerPoint presentation
  • Video of meeting from Facebook Live

Updated October 2023.

For more information on the project, please contact:

  • Jill Pinkerton, Project Manager, (408) 630-2969
  • Erin Baker, (408) 630-2608
  • Jiana Escobar, Neighborhood Liaison, (408) 630-2266
  • Sign Up for Project Updates
  • Project Shell
  • Planning Study Report
  • List of Appendices
  • October 2023 Meeting Presentation
  • October 2023 Meeting Displays
  • October 2023 Project Shell
  • September 2019 Meeting notice mailer
  • September 2019 Meeting PowerPoint presentation
  • February 2019 Public Notice

When completed, the Guadalupe River Tasman Drive to Interstate 880 Flood Protection Project project will:

  • Provide natural flood protection for residents, businesses, and visitors. 
  • Protect parcels from flooding by applying an integrated watershed management approach that balances environmental quality and protection from flooding. 
  • Preserve flood conveyance capacity and structural integrity of stream banks, while minimizing impacts on the environment and protecting habitat values. 

The Lower Guadalupe River is the portion of the Guadalupe River between Interstate 880 and the San Francisco Bay. It has been the subject of several Valley Water flood protection projects over the years, the latest of which was the Lower Guadalupe River Project (LGRP) completed in 2004. This project provided 100-year flood protection for Interstate 880 to the Union Pacific Railroad bridge in Alviso, where the river enters the San Francisco Bay. The Guadalupe River has a long history of flooding, with the earliest recorded event occurring in the winter of 1852-1853.

The LGRP was constructed in conjunction with the Downtown Guadalupe River Project (DGRP), in which Valley Water partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to provide 100-year flood protection from the portion of the river between Interstate 880 and Interstate 280. As a condition of construction, the LGRP committed to USACE to provide enough capacity to carry the 100-year design flows from the Downtown Project, 17,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), as well as another 1,350 cfs from interior drainage inflow. The largest storm since the completion of both projects was February 2017, with a recorded peak of 6,340 cfs. A cubic foot of water contains nearly 7.5 gallons.

During high flow events, Valley Water staff routinely observes and records high water marks in the river and compares them to the expected water surface elevation based on the original design. In the Lower Guadalupe River, high water marks were measured during high flows in 2014, 2017, and 2019. It was determined that the Guadalupe River does not have sufficient capacity to carry the 100-year flows it was originally designed for. The stretch of creek without sufficient capacity is between Tasman Drive and Interstate 880. Therefore, the Board of Directors directed staff to expeditiously develop plans to restore the River's level of flood protection back to what it was designed to be, flood protection from a 100-year flow event.

Footer Top

  • Valley Water Logo
  • Report an Issue
  • Contact Us
  • Services & Support
  • Join our Newsletter
  • Valley Water Logo
  • Join our Newsletter
  • Report an Issue
  • Contact Us
  • Services & Support

Footer

  • For Residents
    • Water Charges
    • Grants and Rebates
    • Water Conservation
    • Projects and Plans
    • Outdoor Survey
    • Watersavings.org
    • Water Quality
    • Water Supply Planning
  • In an Emergency
    • Get Flood Ready
    • Levee Safety
    • Dam Safety Program
    • Flood Emergency Action Plan
    • Local Hazard Mitigation Area
    • Climate Change Action Plan
  • Data & Resources
    • GIS Data
    • Popular Documents
    • HEC-2 Data Library
    • Surface Water Data Portal
    • Water Sensor ALERT
    • Find My Water Retailer
  • About Valley Water
    • Finance & Budget
    • Board of Directors
    • Board Meetings & Agendas
    • Committees
    • Board Governance Policies
    • Careers
    • Internships
  • In the District
    • Permits
    • Report a Problem
    • Contact Us
    • Purchasing and Contracts
    • Construction Administration
    • Business Resources
  • Learning Center
    • Water 101 Academy
    • Public Tours
    • Adopt a Creek
Santa Clara Valley Water District 2026
Pollution Hotline 888-510-5151
Phone: 408-265-2600