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    Image
    Snow blankets mountains near the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducted the third media snow survey of the 2026 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo courtesy of Ken James/ California Department of Water Resources.
    Snow blankets mountains near the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducted the third media snow survey of the 2026 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo courtesy of Ken James/ California Department of Water Resources.
    March 5, 2026
    Central Valley Project announces initial allocation; statewide snowpack remains below average

    Recent water allocation announcements provide an early look at Santa Clara County’s imported water supplies for 2026, as statewide snowpack continues to recover from earlier dry conditions.

    On Feb. 26, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation announced that initial Central Valley Project allocations south of the Delta are 65% for municipal and industrial use and 15% for agricultural use. For Valley Water, this means about 90,000 acre-feet of water.

    Read More
    Image
    Melanie Richardson Headshot - extended background
    February 25, 2026
    Valley Water Board Extends Interim CEO Appointment

    On Feb. 24, 2026, Valley Water’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution extending Melanie Richardson’s tenure as interim CEO, effective March 12, 2026. She will serve in the role for up to one year from the date of her appointment.

    Read More
    Image
    VW logo
    February 24, 2026
    Release of Executive Summaries regarding Valley Water CEO Rick Callender and his response

    On Feb. 24, 2026, Valley Water’s Board of Directors unanimously agreed to waive their privilege concerning the disclosure of the Executive Summaries (Summaries) regarding Valley Water CEO Rick Callender and his response to the Summaries. The investigations were done by the law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo. Read the full Summaries and CEO Rick Callender’s response below:

    Read More
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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.
    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 Programs
    Studies and Reports
    Hydraulic Model Data (HEC)
    Stream Maintenance Program
  • Your Water
    Highlights
    Current Water Charges
    Valley Water is funded by property taxes, well owners, agricultural water customers and water retailers like San Jose Water Company
    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
    District News
    Learn more about the latest headlines and announcements from around the district
    Events
    Find district events happening on variety of topics
    Valley Water News Blog
    Catch up on all the latest list of articles and blog posts
    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
    Snow blankets mountains near the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducted the third media snow survey of the 2026 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo courtesy of Ken James/ California Department of Water Resources.
    Snow blankets mountains near the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducted the third media snow survey of the 2026 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo courtesy of Ken James/ California Department of Water Resources.
    March 5, 2026
    Central Valley Project announces initial allocation; statewide snowpack remains below average

    Recent water allocation announcements provide an early look at Santa Clara County’s imported water supplies for 2026, as statewide snowpack continues to recover from earlier dry conditions.

    On Feb. 26, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation announced that initial Central Valley Project allocations south of the Delta are 65% for municipal and industrial use and 15% for agricultural use. For Valley Water, this means about 90,000 acre-feet of water.

    Read More
    Image
    Melanie Richardson Headshot - extended background
    February 25, 2026
    Valley Water Board Extends Interim CEO Appointment

    On Feb. 24, 2026, Valley Water’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution extending Melanie Richardson’s tenure as interim CEO, effective March 12, 2026. She will serve in the role for up to one year from the date of her appointment.

    Read More
    Image
    VW logo
    February 24, 2026
    Release of Executive Summaries regarding Valley Water CEO Rick Callender and his response

    On Feb. 24, 2026, Valley Water’s Board of Directors unanimously agreed to waive their privilege concerning the disclosure of the Executive Summaries (Summaries) regarding Valley Water CEO Rick Callender and his response to the Summaries. The investigations were done by the law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo. Read the full Summaries and CEO Rick Callender’s response below:

    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 the district
    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
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  • Discover Valley Water
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  3. Water Works Program

Water Works Program

Content

Valley Water’s Next Gen Career Pathways Program is proud to host Water Works, an innovative education and career-development initiative that opens doors to one of California’s most vital industries.

Designed for curious, motivated students from all backgrounds, Water Works combines classroom learning, hands-on experiences, and professional mentorship to help participants discover rewarding careers in water management, human resources, engineering, environmental science, communications, and more.

By bringing together education, real-world projects, and expert guidance, the program empowers the next generation of water leaders to gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to make a difference in their communities and the environment.

Whether you’re exploring your first career option or looking to grow in a field that matters, Water Works gives you the tools and support to succeed.

Goals:

  • Offer mentorship and professional development opportunities through customized sessions that combine water industry topics with career development workshops to help students develop skills, expand networks, and gain confidence for long-term career success.
  • Partner with local community-based agencies to recruit college students for the Water Works Program, focusing on those who live or study in Santa Clara County and demonstrate a strong dedication to community service.
  • Participants can earn $2,000 after finishing the entire program while gaining valuable skills, experience, and knowledge.

Program Outcomes:

  • The Water Works Program: Introduces college students to the world of water by offering a comprehensive curriculum that explores Valley Water, local water issues, and the intricacies of current and upcoming water projects within their communities. Career preparation, leadership, and networking skills will also be utilized to develop participants' career readiness. This immersive experience aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the significance of water management and conservation.
  • Guaranteed Summer Internship: The Water Works Program guarantees participants a summer internship within Valley Water. Interns will receive one-on-one mentoring, professional career development training, and contribute to ongoing projects. Additionally, summer interns will receive a competitive pay rate of $28.27 per hour. To learn more about our college summer internship program, click here.
  • Financial Aid Stipend: The Water Works Program offers a stipend of $2,000 to participants who complete the program. This financial support is designed to ease the various challenges linked to the pursuit of educational and career advancement.

Eligibility:

  1. Participants must be part of a community-based organization/student support program and must be receiving a form of support (educational/academic or career) from the program. Participants must show proof by attaching a letter of verification to the Water Works Program application written by an advisor/program staff.
    • What’s a letter of verification? A letter of verification is written by your community-based organization/student support program advisor/staff, written on official letterhead. The letter must state the organization/program’s name, counselor/staff’s name, title, contact information, the student’s name, major, and connection to the organization/program.
      • Letter of Verification Template: Please provide this template to your program's advisor/staff to complete
  2. Participants must be undergraduate applicants who are enrolled in an accredited community college or college/university and have completed at least two full-time years of study (i.e., entering their third or fourth year) by Fall 2026, or have graduated within the past six months.
  3. Participants must attend all five (5) virtual sessions for the Water Works Academy.
    • These sessions are held every other Friday on Zoom from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, starting February 27 and ending April 24, 2026, with an in-person graduation date set for May 8, 2026.
  4. Participants must reside within 150 miles of the Valley Water office (5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA) for the duration of the summer internship.
  5. Participants must be able to work full-time (40 hours/week) for the duration of the Summer Internship Program (Tentative)
    • May 26 through August 14, 2026 (Semester Students)
    • June 15 through September 4, 2026 (Quarter Students)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Students interested in pursuing a career within the water industry.
  • Students passionate about serving the community & providing excellent service to all customers.
  • Ability to demonstrate Zoom etiquette during Water Works Programs
  • Willing and able to participate, engage, and collaborate in Water Works Programs
  • Able to share and promote the Next Gen Career Pathways Water Work Program to selected audiences.

 

Applications OpenMonday, December 1, 2025
Applications CloseSunday, December 21, 2025
Blind Screening/Interview SelectionJanuary 5 – January 19, 2026
InterviewsJanuary 26 – February 6, 2026
Cohort ConfirmedFriday, February 13, 2026
Water Works Program Session #1Friday, February 27, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Water Works Program Session #2Friday, March 13, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Water Works Program Session #3Friday, March 27, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Water Works Program Session #4Friday, April 10, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Water Works Program Session #5Friday, April 24, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Water Works Program GraduationFriday, May 8, 2026
Semester Summer Internship StartsTuesday, May 26, 2026
Quarter Summer Internship StartsMonday, June 15, 2026
Semester Summer Internship EndsFriday, August 14, 2026
Quarter Summer Internship EndsFriday, September 4, 2026

 

Application Period:

Applications will be accepted Monday, December 1, 2025, through Sunday, December 21, 2025, 11:59 PM PST.

Where to apply:

APPLY ONLINE AT VALLEY WATER'S GOVERNMENT JOBS WEBSITE!

Student Information Sessions:

Target Audience: Students who are part of a student support/student affairs or community-based organization that provides academic, personal, or professional development resources.

Join us to learn more about the Water Works Program and how it can benefit your career pathway!

Join Zoom Information Session Here:

  • Student Information Session #1 Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
    • Zoom Link: https://valleywater.zoom.us/meeting/register/a0lYcnO2SNWVUfMP9A2wgg
  • Student Information Session #2 Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
    • Zoom Link: https://valleywater.zoom.us/meeting/register/24VYkNe9RUCqM1-ltdYFeg
  • Student Information Session #3 Friday, November 21, 2025 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    • Zoom Link: https://valleywater.zoom.us/meeting/register/dASWohQITfm9ESScHIo78Q 

Community Round Table Virtual Information Sessions:

Target Audience: Professionals working in student support, student affairs, or community-based organizations who serve college students or student communities by providing academic support and personal or professional development opportunities.

If you were unable to attend the Community Roundtable Session, you can view the presentation here: 2025 Community Round Table Presentation (PDF)

Water Works Program & Career Development Session Topics:

  • Valley Water and Next Gen Career Pathways Program Overview, Participant Expectations, and Goal Setting
    • Career Development Topic: Goal Setting
  • Water Utility Enterprise - Providing a clean, reliable water supply for current and future generations of Santa Clara County
    • Career Development Topic: Elevator Pitch Preparation
  • Guardians of the Flow: Navigating Flood Protections and Water Resource Planning
    • Career Development Topic: Resume Review
  • Environmental Stewardship
    • Career Development: Creating Your Brand
  • Water Conservation and External Affairs
    • Career Development Topic: Capstone Presentations
  • Water Works Graduation

2024 Water Works Cohort at Graduation Ceremony

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