The committee approved its April 16, 2026, minutes and reviewed Pure Water Silicon Valley, planned to deliver up to 24,000 acre-feet of purified water annually by 2035. A June 2026 poll found 52% support for the project after a brief description, rising to 58% with more information. Staff outlined outreach and competitive grants, including an unsuccessful $25 million state request. Chair Tony Estremera said term limits made this his final committee meeting.
Valley Water discussed data center water demand, noting that use is not separately tracked and no increase attributable to data centers has been confirmed. Staff cautioned that recycled water is finite and greater use of it could affect a planned potable reuse project. Commissioner Daly urged members to check which model water-efficiency measures their agencies use; staff offered an adoption tracking sheet.
The board continued the October 7 El Niño emergency action to prepare for possible winter impacts and awarded Gordon N. Ball a $125.6 million Coyote Creek flood-protection contract, with Phase 2 expected to finish in 2028. Staff reported no major shifts in water-supply or demand conditions and recommended continuing the Water Supply Master Plan’s lower-cost strategy.
The plan’s consultant reported that North San Benito groundwater conditions remain sustainable with continued Central Valley Project imports; proposed projects and management actions include no long-term pumping reductions. The update addresses four state-recommended corrective actions, although guidance on interconnected surface water remains pending. The committee recommended a December 8, 2026 Board public hearing and consideration of adoption.
Staff reviewed the draft FY27 Board Work Plan, covering governance, conservation, water supply, flood protection and affordability. Directors supported further work on joint conservation initiatives and Los Vaqueros storage discussions, while staff outlined an update to its conservation strategy. The Board Policy and Monitoring Committee will review feedback with staff before a revised draft returns to the board for consideration.
