Valley Water and San José reviewed preparedness for a stronger-than-normal El Niño, including creek maintenance and joint emergency planning. The City Council approved a prioritized flood-risk hotspot analysis with Valley Water, ideally for presentation before the rainy season. Staff said the Anderson Dam Tunnel and Coyote Creek Phase 1 mitigation are complete; the tunnel is in testing. The Pure Water update was deferred.
Groundwater storage missed its target in 2015 and 2016 but is healthy now; the 2026 management plan is set for a November 10 board hearing. Llagas agricultural pumping rose about 5% over 20 years, while total Coyote Valley pumping nearly doubled, largely due to municipal and industrial use. Staff reported about 90% fewer encampments on Valley Water property and less debris, although cleanup costs remain relatively fixed. The committee approved a January 25 special meeting.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District Board Policy and Monitoring Committee approved its July 21 minutes. Members discussed a Water Commission meeting that lacked a quorum but made no formal recommendation to change advisory-committee rules. They reviewed the Board Ethics and Code of Conduct, with possible edits due for discussion in October, and examined the work plan, including a small business policy discussion planned for October.
NWS forecast a very strong El Niño with higher odds of above-normal precipitation, with wetter conditions likely backloaded into January–February. Staff outlined expanded flood-preparedness outreach for hotspot areas and creekside owners and reviewed shared maintenance responsibilities. The board approved added funding for the desalination feasibility study.
Directors reviewed Ends Policies and flagged gaps around priority, affordability, and beneficiary language. The facilitator plans one-on-one director interviews ahead of the Oct. 23 work plan session, where the board is expected to work on aligning Ends Policies with the 2026-27 work plan. Directors also discussed possible committee mergers and new focus areas (conservation, climate events, regulatory matters). No votes were taken.
