City Council Discusses Water Conservation and Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Challenges

The Joint City Council and Santa Clara Valley Water District Board held a special meeting on August 19, 2025, in San Jose, California, focusing on water conservation efforts, infrastructure projects, and encampment management strategies.

The meeting commenced with discussions on water conservation outreach programs. City officials emphasized the importance of educating residents and businesses about water-efficient practices, particularly in light of California's ongoing drought conditions. They highlighted the city's water-efficient landscape ordinance, which mandates that new developments adhere to state guidelines aimed at reducing non-functional turf installations. The council noted that while they do not impose strict regulations on existing developments, they actively promote water-saving techniques and provide resources such as rebates for drought-tolerant landscaping.

Council Member Candelos expressed appreciation for the staff's efforts and shared insights from a recent tour of the Anderson Dam seismic retrofit project. He noted that the project is being executed in phases due to federal regulations, which necessitate the construction of a diversion tunnel before the full seismic retrofit can commence. This phased approach aims to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The meeting also addressed the city's encampment outreach and cleanup efforts along Coyote Creek and adjacent properties. Council members discussed the challenges of managing encampments without inadvertently displacing individuals to other areas. Staff members explained their proactive measures, such as posting notices in anticipation of encampment cleanups to minimize the movement of individuals to nearby locations. They acknowledged the complexities involved in coordinating efforts with Valley Water, given the mosaic of land ownership along waterways.

Council Member Candelos raised concerns about the need for better collaboration between the city and Valley Water, particularly in establishing no encampment zones in water resource protection areas. He suggested that clearer communication and coordinated efforts could help prevent individuals from relocating to city-owned parcels adjacent to protected zones.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the ongoing challenges and successes in managing water resources and encampments. City officials reiterated their commitment to education and collaboration as key strategies moving forward. The council plans to continue monitoring water conservation goals and enhancing outreach efforts to ensure community engagement in sustainable practices.