The committee elected new leadership and reviewed progress on a desalination feasibility study evaluating surface water intakes at three bay locations and facilities ranging from 10–40 MGD capacity, with brine management options under review. Multiple conservation measures for Anderson Dam’s seismic retrofit are advancing, including temperature-control chillers by summer 2026 and the Ogier Ponds project separating 1.2 miles of Coyote Creek from gravel ponds by 2032.
The Anderson Dam chiller plant is substantially complete after major delays, with completion now expected by August 2026 and about $5 million in contractor overhead over the extended schedule, prompting a planned $2.5 million contingency increase to be taken to the full Board. Staff recommended a vortex weir design for the Moffett Drop Structure fish ladder, estimated at $5–6 million with construction targeted for summer 2028.
Employee unions urged fair compensation as wages lag Santa Clara County’s $160,000 poverty line, with nearly 70% of members below that level. The board approved two resolutions of necessity for Coyote Creek Flood Protection property acquisitions, including at a low‑income housing complex, and awarded a $90.6 million Penitencia Residuals Management Project contract, with work expected to finish in 2030.
Board postponed eminent domain proceedings against school district properties needed for the Coyote Creek flood project. Staff presented a plan to address a $569 million capital budget shortfall across watershed and flood protection projects, recommending delays and rescoping of major initiatives. Board also approved substantial increases to well permitting fees, raising rates from $410-500 to $885/well to achieve full cost recovery and generate $400,000/year additional revenue.
Board adopted a comprehensive 30-year water supply master plan emphasizing lower-cost strategies including recycled water projects and reservoir participation. They maintained the existing agricultural water rate policy capping farm water charges at 10% of municipal rates to support local farming communities. Additionally, the board approved tripling participation in the Sites Reservoir project by acquiring additional storage capacity for $618,500.
