Projects under Priority B use multiple strategies to reduce and remove contaminants in our local creeks, streams and bay. In addition to mercury treatment systems in our reservoirs, projects under this priority also prevent toxins from entering waterways by working with municipalities and other agencies to reduce runoff pollution. Valley Water also provides grants to reduce emerging contaminants and supports public education and volunteer cleanup efforts. Additional projects include coordinated cleanup of encampments near waterways, trash and graffiti removal, and rapid emergency response to hazardous materials spills.
Project B1: Impaired Water Bodies Improvement
Project B2: Interagency Urban Runoff Program
Project B3: Pollution Prevention Partnerships and Grants
Project B4: Good Neighbor Program: Encampment Cleanup
Project B5: Hazardous Materials Management and Response
Project B6: Good Neighbor Program: Remove Graffiti and Litter
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.