Every day, we turn on the tap without thinking twice about it. Safe, clean, reliable water flows out, ready for drinking, cooking, bathing and growing the food we eat. Behind every working tap is a detailed story of planning and investment. It is the story of Valley Water, and it is one I am proud to share.
Valley Water is Santa Clara County’s wholesale water supplier. Since 1929, our mission has been simple yet essential. We work to ensure our communities have access to safe, clean water, to protect our homes and businesses from flooding and to care for our local environment. We serve nearly 2 million people across 15 cities and unincorporated areas, and our work touches nearly every aspect of daily life, often behind the scenes.
When people ask what Valley Water does, I tell them we are the protectors of your water supply. Our team manages a complex system that includes reservoirs, groundwater basins, pipelines and treatment plants. We also run the award-winning Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center, one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Northern California. This center produces highly purified water that supports our long-term plan for drought resilience.
In recent years, we have all seen how climate change is reshaping California’s weather patterns. We have endured years of drought followed by intense storms that brought both relief and new challenges.
Our region’s water system was built decades ago under conditions that no longer reflect the climate realities we face today. This is why Valley Water is investing in projects that strengthen our infrastructure, such as the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit, and expanding local water supplies through recycling and purification. These investments ensure future generations will have a reliable water source, even as our climate continues to change.
However, our work is not limited to water in pipes and storage facilities. It is also about the water in our creeks and rivers. We lead efforts to reduce flood risks and restore natural habitats. When we invest in a flood protection project, such as the one along Coyote Creek or the ongoing work at Upper Llagas Creek, we are doing more than just keeping neighborhoods safe. We are creating healthier environments where wildlife and people can thrive side by side.
Caring for our environment is at the heart of what we do. Every year, thousands of volunteers join us for events such as National River Cleanup Day and Coastal Cleanup Day to remove trash from creeks. We also provide grants that support local nonprofits, schools and community groups working on environmental education, water conservation and pollution prevention. When you see students studying a creek habitat, community groups removing trash from waterways or neighbors learning how to conserve water, you may be seeing Valley Water’s partnership in action.
Our work is built on the idea that water connects us all. It flows through our communities just as it connects our ecosystems. This is why we are committed to engaging with residents, listening to your concerns and working together to find solutions. We hold public meetings, attend community events and invite you to tour our facilities to see how your local water system works.
Valley Water is here to serve you, and we want every resident to feel that connection, understanding that what we do together today determines the kind of future we can build. Whether it is protecting homes from flooding, restoring a creek or ensuring a child can turn on the faucet in 20 years and still have safe, clean water, every action we take is an investment in the well-being of Santa Clara County.
So the next time you turn on your tap, take a moment to appreciate what it represents. It reflects years of collaboration, innovation and care. That is what we do at Valley Water. We are proud to serve this community, and we are committed to keeping our water flowing safely, sustainably and equitably for generations to come.
Tony Estremera represents District 6 on the Valley Water board of directors.