Since 1929, Valley Water has been dedicated to providing Santa Clara County with safe, clean water, flood protection and stewardship of streams. While our county’s landscape may look different than it did nearly 100 years ago, our mission remains the same. We continue to invest in infrastructure, develop new programs and expand existing ones to ensure this mission is achieved year after year.
On May 14, 2024, the Valley Water Board of Directors adopted a $963.6 million Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to help provide these critical services. In addition to the new budget, the Board adopted new water charges where the vast majority of the county will see a rate increase of 12.9% ($8.78 a month for an average household).
The budget and water rates were adopted after listening to public comments and staff recommendations during the water charge-setting process. This funding helps ensure we continue to achieve our mission for the residents and businesses in Santa Clara County. The new rates will go into effect on July 1, 2024. Most Santa Clara County residents do not pay their water bill directly to Valley Water. Find your local retailer to learn more about your property’s water rates and billing information.
We are in a time of investment. The existing water supply infrastructure in our county was built decades ago. Dams such as Anderson in Morgan Hill were built in the 1930s and 50s, and water treatment plants, such as Rinconada in Los Gatos, were built in the 1960s and 80s.
Through investments in infrastructure, like the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant Reliability Project, we’re increasing the amount of water treated and delivered to the region.
The Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project will continue for the next nine years, which means our largest reservoir is unavailable while it’s under construction. When the next drought arrives, we’ll need to purchase more water from outside the county to meet the needs of residents, businesses, and farms. Progress has been made in the Anderson Tunnel Project. As the first part of the seismic retrofit, this large tunnel is 80% complete, with 300 feet left to excavate. Crews will finish the tunnel in early summer 2024.
New weather extremes will become more common as we continue to see the effects of a changing climate. To help prepare for future storms, Valley Water is investing in flood protection projects, including the Coyote Creek Flood Protection Project. Once both phases of the project are completed, they will provide protection from floods up to the level that occurred in February 2017.
Investing in these projects is a top priority for Valley Water, which consistently seeks funding partners to ensure it does everything possible to lower the burden on ratepayers. For fiscal years 2025-2029, Valley Water has secured nearly $181.5 million in grants and agreements, with additional grant applications pending.
Valley Water also invests in conservation programs and rebates to help you save water and reduce your water bill. These programs help homeowners and businesses convert water-thirsty lawns to climate-appropriate landscapes and upgrade irrigation systems.
Valley Water also encourages residents and businesses to use water more effectively indoors. Finding and fixing leaks inside the home and practicing water-saving best practices like taking shorter showers can make a difference.
The new budget ensures Santa Clara County continues to make a difference in the community with vital projects and programs. The water rates are equitable, with large users paying the biggest share while those who don’t use much water see minimal cost increases.