As Santa Clara County enters its rainy season, Valley Water is conducting maintenance on local creeks to prepare for an El Niño that may bring heavy rainfall and increased flood risks. Through its Stream Maintenance Program, the agency inspects and works on waterways it manages, focusing on critical activities to ensure stormwater can safely move through communities.
The Stream Maintenance Program is designed to address natural changes in creeks that can restrict water flow, such as sediment buildup, bank erosion, and vegetation growth. If left unaddressed, these conditions can heighten flood and wildfire risks, as well as affect the overall health of local waterways. Valley Water's efforts aim to reduce these risks before major storms arrive.
Valley Water performs this maintenance from June through October each year, concentrating on the approximately 350 miles of creeks, property, and flood protection infrastructure it owns or manages within the county’s urbanized valley areas. The county's network includes over 800 miles of creeks in total, with private property owners and local public agencies responsible for maintaining the remaining waterways.
This season's work included several projects aimed at improving water flow and protecting infrastructure. Crews used excavators and compact track loaders on Ross Creek near Meridian, Jarvis, and Cherry avenues, as well as on San Tomas Aquino Creek downstream of Pollard Avenue, to remove sediment buildup within the constructed channels. This sediment removal helps restore the channels’ ability to carry stormwater efficiently, allowing water to move more freely during heavy rains.
Vegetation management was also a key focus. Along Alamitos Creek and the Alamitos Diversion Channel upstream of Mazzone Drive, crews removed vegetation, pruned lower tree limbs, and cleared smaller trees and shrubs from the channel. Invasive plants were also removed to support a healthier creek environment and help keep water flowing during storms. Additionally, bank repairs were completed along Ross Creek downstream of Sandy Lane and downstream of Camino Del Cerro. These repairs address erosion and restore creek banks to their intended shape, protecting flood protection infrastructure and reducing potential future erosion and sediment accumulation.
Jim Beall, who represents District 4 on the Valley Water board of directors, noted that this season’s work included several projects in and near his district. These efforts focused on Ross Creek, San Tomas Aquino Creek, Alamitos Creek, Alamitos Diversion Channel, and Los Gatos Creek, encompassing the various maintenance activities described.
Preparing for winter storms is an ongoing process, involving a continuous cycle of inspection, maintenance, storm response, and planning. Regardless of the intensity of the upcoming El Niño, Valley Water’s work helps ensure creeks are ready to safely move water through communities. The program is supported in part by the voter-approved Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program, reflecting a community investment in safety.
