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A3: Pipeline Reliability*

About This Project

This project constructs four (4) line valves at various locations along the East, West and Snell treated water pipelines in Saratoga, Cupertino and San José. Once constructed, this project will allow Valley Water to isolate sections of pipelines for scheduled maintenance and repairs following a catastrophic event, such as a major earthquake, and allow the network of emergency wells to operate, even when there is damage upstream and downstream of individual wells.

*This project was voter approved as part of the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.

Shannon Line Valve
Datapoints
Status
Active
Phase
Planning and Design
Location
Saratoga, Cupertino and San José
Schedule
Start FY 2019 / Finish FY 2028
Funding
Safe, Clean Water Fund ($14.6 million)
News and UpdatesNews and Updates
Reports and DocumentsReports and Documents
Environmental and Community BenefitsEnvironmental and Community Benefits
History and BackgroundHistory and Background
News & Updates

Planning and Design Updates

The 100% design documents for the four (4) line valves were completed in FY22.

The Snell Pipeline line valve was advertised for construction in FY23. Construction was awarded in August 2023. Construction activities have commenced.

Construction of the remaining line valves is scheduled between FY24 and FY28, in conjunction with the 10-Year Pipeline Inspection and Rehabilitation Program. The construction of the Snell Pipeline valve will be followed by two valves along West Pipeline, and the final valve along East Pipeline.

 

April 2024

For more information:

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Reports & Documents

No current documents. 

Environmental & Community Benefits

FY22-36 Key Performance Indicator for the Safe, Clean Water Program 

  1. Install 4 new line valves on treated water distribution pipelines. 

Benefits

  • Supports shorter service interruption in the case of a pipeline break.

  • Provides operational flexibility for pipeline maintenance work.

  • Improves drinking water reliability.

  • Reduces the amount of water released in streams in the event of a pipeline maintenance or repair

Geographic Area of Benefit

Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Campbell, San José and Milpitas 

History & Background

About the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program

In November 2020, voters in Santa Clara County overwhelmingly approved Measure S, a renewal of Valley Water’s Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.

The program was first passed by voters in 2000 as the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Program, then again in 2012 as the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program. The renewal of the Safe, Clean Water Program will continue to provide approximately $47 million annually for local projects that deliver safe, clean water, natural flood protection, and environmental stewardship to all the communities we serve in Santa Clara County.

While evaluating ways to improve the 2012 program, Valley Water gathered feedback from more than 21,000 community members. That helped Valley Water create the six priorities for the renewed Safe, Clean Water Program, which are:

Priority A: Ensure a Safe, Reliable Water Supply

Priority B: Reduce Toxins, Hazards and Contaminants in our Waterways

Priority C: Protect our Water Supply and Dams from Earthquakes and Other Natural Disasters

Priority D: Restore Wildlife Habitat and Provide Open Space

Priority E: Provide Flood Protection to Homes, Businesses, Schools, Streets and Highways

Priority F: Support Public Health and Public Safety for Our Community

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. Additionally, the IMC also reviews each proposed 5-year implementation plan prior to its submittal for Board approval.

In addition, the program requires three independent audits.

View the Safe, Clean Water Program’s annual reports, annual IMC audit reports, and independent audits, including a staff response, on the Valley Water website.