The Santa Clara Valley Water District is seeking community partners passionate about keeping waterways and potable water clean through pollution prevention. Starting Nov. 1, The water district is accepting grant applications for projects that would seek to reduce contaminants in surface or groundwater. $500,000 in funding is available through the 2012 voter-approved Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.
Objectives for this grant cycle fall under Priority B3 of the Safe, Clean Water program which emphasizes preventing pharmaceuticals, hazardous waste and trash from entering our water ways; reduces contaminants in groundwater and surface water; and provides public education about these efforts.
Examples of grant projects previously awarded under Priority B3 include creek cleanups with local agencies such as the South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition and the San Jose Parks Foundation, as well as the installation of 29 pharmaceutical collection bins in partnership with the California Product Stewardship Council.
Public and nonprofit organizations with proposed projects based in Santa Clara County are eligible to apply. Grant applications are due Friday, Jan. 12. Details on the application process are posted at www.valleywater.org/grants.aspx. Pre-proposal workshops will be held at the water district during the month of December.
Dec. 7, 2017, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Headquarters Bldg, Room A-143
5700 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, CA 95118
Dec. 14, 2017, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Headquarters Bldg, Room A-143
5700 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, CA 95118
Workshop participants are requested to RSVP at least three days prior by emailing grants@valleywater.org.
The water district also has open grant application processes for water conservation programs and technologies; and mini-grants available for improving fish passage and habitat, enhancing creek and bay ecosystems, and education and outreach for watershed stewardship.
During the 15-year life of the Safe, Clean Water Program, the water district expects to distribute nearly $35 million in grants, partnerships and rebate programs, under several different funding categories. Each year, one or more grant programs will have a new funding cycle. These programs are part of the water district’s commitment to protecting our environment and our work to restore habitat along creeks and the bay, clean toxins from the water, and make sure water is used efficiently throughout the community.
Valley Water News 
For the past few weeks the taste of our water has changed. Are we getting our water from another reservoir or has something been added to our water supply?
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Randi, can you tell us where you are in the county? Because of maintenance work we are doing, our largest water treatment plant, located near Almaden Valley, is currently off-line. As a result, some areas that normally are served by that facility are being served with groundwater, which may indeed taste different than what you are accustomed to.
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