At Valley Water, we’re committed to delivering safe, clean and reliable water to the people of Santa Clara County. A key part of that work is maintaining more than 150 miles of pipelines that carry raw, treated, and recycled water, some of which have been in service since the 1950s.
To keep this vital infrastructure in good shape, we’ve developed two programs: the Pipeline Maintenance Program and the 10-Year Pipeline Inspection and Rehabilitation Program. Together, these programs help us catch problems early, make timely repairs and plan for future upgrades.
Pipelines may be out of sight, but they’re always a priority. Even the most durable pipelines can wear down over time. That’s why we inspect and maintain them regularly. By catching problems early, we can make necessary repairs and upgrades before small issues become big disruptions.
Valley Water employees pictured during a recent inspection of the Pacheco Tunnel and Conduit. The picture shows a typical inspection team with tools and equipment utilized to collect data during an inspection of our infrastructure. 
Valley Water employees perform a pipeline inspection. 
A damaged section of the Santa Clara Conduit in 2015. With advances in technology, such as advanced acoustic fiber optic monitoring systems, Valley Water is working to identify issues and make repairs before larger issues occur.
The Pipeline Maintenance Program, launched in 2007, was created to guide ongoing inspections and maintenance. In April 2025, our Board of Directors approved an updated version of the program that reflects advances in technology, updated regulations and modern maintenance practices. This update also fully integrates the 10-Year Pipeline Inspection and Rehabilitation Program to strengthen long-term planning and better coordinate with other infrastructure efforts.
The 10-Year Pipeline Inspection & Rehabilitation Program takes a long-range view, helping us inspect and renew our pipelines on a rotating 10-year cycle. This program includes:
- Using advanced tools to assess pipeline conditions
- Repairing or replacing damaged sections
- Upgrading valves and key components
- Installing monitoring systems to detect issues in real-time
- Using data to plan and prioritize future work
- This proactive approach enhances reliability, reduces the risk of emergency shutdowns, and extends the life of our pipelines.
- Since implementing our long-term pipeline strategy, Valley Water has inspected 80 miles of pipelines, repaired many damaged sections and joints, and replaced more than 1,000 aging pipeline components and accessories. We’ve also installed advanced monitoring systems across about 300,000 feet of pipeline, giving us real-time insight into pipeline health and performance.
- All this work contributes to a more reliable, cost-effective water delivery system that is better prepared for emergencies, environmental changes, and future demand.
- The update to the Pipeline Maintenance Program, approved by the Board of Directors in April, expands our efforts even further. In addition to inclusion of more pipelines and maintenance activities, significant updates includes work on recycled water pipelines, maintenance of pump stations and tanks, and vegetation management to improve access and safety. Scheduled inspections and upgrades are already planned through the end of the decade, focusing on improving key pipeline systems throughout the region.
- By investing in smart maintenance today, we’re protecting Santa Clara County’s water future, ensuring safe, clean water is always just a turn of the tap away.
Learn more about our infrastructure programs at valleywater.org.