VALLEY WATER COMPLETES LOWER SILVER CREEK FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECT

Here at Valley Water, we’re dedicated to protecting Santa Clara County residents from flood risks. With the recent completion of the Lower Silver Creek Flood Protection and Creek Restoration Project, along with the Cunningham Flood Detention Facility Project completed last year, we’re happy to share that thousands of homes in East San Jose have been removed from the 100-year floodplain.  

Valley Water, the City of San Jose, and Santa Clara County worked together to submit a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to officially change the floodplain map. Thanks to the hard work of the teams behind the two recently completed projects, FEMA approved the application and issued a new Flood Insurance Map (FIRM), which went into effect on November 26, 2021. 

Now, property owners with government-backed mortgages in the designated areas are no longer federally mandated to have flood insurance. To see if your property no longer requires flood insurance, please view the new map here. If your home is in the designated area and you need help navigating the insurance removal process, visit our newly created webpage dedicated to the Lower Silver Creek Letter of Map Revision: www.valleywater.org/Lower-Silver-Creek-LOMR. 

In addition to the immediate benefits to property owners, new building construction and improvements to existing buildings may no longer be required to meet the construction requirements for developments in flood-prone areas. 

Despite removing the mandatory flood insurance requirement, FEMA and Valley Water suggest residents consider the voluntary purchase of flood insurance because high-risk areas are not the only ones in danger of flooding. With the changes to the map, property owners may see lower premiums if they choose to maintain a flood insurance policy. We encourage you to work with your insurance provider to decide what’s best for you and your property.  

Although we are currently facing extreme drought, we must be prepared for the possibility of flooding. Climate change has made extreme weather the new normal, and as we continue through the rainy season, we ask that residents take some time to make sure their homes and businesses are ready in case of a flood. Make sure you are flood-ready by visiting www.valleywater.org/floodready for essential tips.