F7: Emergency Response Upgrades*

Status

Active

Location

Countywide

Schedule

Start FY 2022 / Finish FY 2036

Funding

Safe, Clean Water Fund ($13.2 million)

This project supports ongoing development and maintenance of a robust flood forecasting system. The system facilitates the efficient dissemination of information to emergency responders and the public.

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

In FY26 Q1 (July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025),

A text-based flood notification system has been launched for internal use and testing. The public release is planned for fall 2026.
An internal alert system has been implemented to notify operations staff and other key stakeholders about creek levels, reservoir conditions, and rainfall data.
Ongoing system upgrades are being made to the ALERT website to enhance the accuracy and reliability of shared data.
A machine learning–based flood forecasting model is currently undergoing testing to improve real-time prediction capabilities.
A multi-year research study examining how large-scale and global weather patterns influence conditions in the San Francisco Bay Area is nearing the completion of its first year. The initial phase focused primarily on data collection and processing. The study is expected to improve understanding of impactful weather events in the region.

October 2025

For more information:

Liang Xu, (408) 630-2780

In FY26 Q1 (July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025),

A text-based flood notification system has been launched for internal use and testing. The public release is planned for fall 2026.
An internal alert system has been implemented to notify operations staff and other key stakeholders about creek levels, reservoir conditions, and rainfall data.
Ongoing system upgrades are being made to the ALERT website to enhance the accuracy and reliability of shared data.
A machine learning–based flood forecasting model is currently undergoing testing to improve real-time prediction capabilities.
A multi-year research study examining how large-scale and global weather patterns influence conditions in the San Francisco Bay Area is nearing the completion of its first year. The initial phase focused primarily on data collection and processing. The study is expected to improve understanding of impactful weather events in the region.

October 2025

For more information:

Liang Xu, (408) 630-2780

ALERT System Real Time Data

Safe, Clean Water Program Documents

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

Maintain existing capabilities for flood forecasting and warning.
Improve flood forecast accuracy and emergency response time working with the National Weather Service and through research and development.

Benefits

Improves the accuracy of flood forecasting services
Improves emergency response times and information dissemination regarding upcoming storms and potential floods
Provides information toward improving reservoir management to optimize flood risk reduction and water supply management
Provides a real-time website that tracks and offers public access to local weather and flood forecasting information
Increases atmospheric data collection network, data management and maintenance
Addresses climate changes through an adaptation strategy to track and understand uncertain future weather patterns

Geographic Area of Benefit

Countywide

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.

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.