Priority D projects restore and protect wildlife habitat. Work under this priority includes controlling non-native, invasive plants; replanting native species; and maintaining previously replanted areas. Other projects include removing barriers to fish movement, improving steelhead habitat and stabilizing eroded creek banks. To support restoration projects, Valley Water will continue to build and update a comprehensive watershed database that tracks stream ecosystem conditions helping Valley Water and other organizations make informed watershed, asset management and natural resource decisions.
Project D1: Management of Riparian Planting and Invasive Plant Removal
Project D2: Revitalize Riparian, Upland and Wetland Habitat
Project D3: Sediment Reuse to Support Restoration Projects
Project D4: Fish Habitat and Passage Improvement
Project D5: Ecological Data Collection and Analysis
Project D6: Restoration of Natural Creek Functions
Project D7: Partnerships for the Conservation of Habitat Lands
About the Renewed Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program
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 Plan, 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.