General Update for the Lower Peninsula Watershed Master Plan
Development of the Lower Peninsula Watershed Master Plan continues to make steady progress. The project has completed the existing conditions and watershed assessment phases and is now focused on developing and refining Priority Actions that will shape the watershed's long-term future.
Existing Conditions Complete
Since our last update, the Watershed Master Plan team has compiled historical and existing watershed information into a comprehensive Settings Report that documents current land use, ecological resources, water supply, water quality, flood risk, and the watershed's key challenges and opportunities. This report serves as the technical foundation for developing the Lower Peninsula Watershed Master Plan.
The assessment identified key challenges, including highly constrained urban creeks, aging flood protection infrastructure, degraded habitat and limited ecological connectivity, and water quality impairments associated with urban runoff. It also highlighted opportunities for multi-benefit projects, nature-based solutions, strategic asset renewal, regional partnerships, and targeted restoration in urban and bayland areas.
Community and Partner Engagement
Building on the input received during the September 2025 public workshop and subsequent outreach, the Watershed Master Plan team has continued working closely with local jurisdictions, Santa Clara County, open space districts, resource and regulatory agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community members.
Additional discussions through meetings and community events—including the Stevens Creek Watershed Summit hosted by Friends of Stevens Creek—helped strengthen partnerships and refine ideas for future watershed projects. Outreach with organizations such as the League of Women Voters and the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce further confirmed community priorities, including nature-based creek restoration, improved fish passage, expanded trail connectivity, and enhanced wildlife habitat.
Watershed Metrics Complete
The project team also collaborated with Valley Water subject matter experts across multiple technical disciplines and the San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) to refine watershed metrics and establish watershed-specific targets. Building upon the One Water Countywide Framework and previous watershed master plans, these metrics were tailored to the Lower Peninsula Watershed using available data from Valley Water programs and regional partners, including the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program and the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project.
These metrics measure progress toward objectives related to water supply, water quality, flood risk reduction, ecosystem health, and climate resilience. They also help identify where additional improvements are needed and provide the technical foundation for developing watershed Priority Actions.
Current Focus: Priority Actions
The Watershed Master Plan team is now focused on developing and refining more than 60 Priority Actions. This work includes evaluating watershed needs, coordinating with Valley Water subject matter experts, and refining recommendations to ensure they are technically sound, feasible, and aligned with watershed priorities.
Beginning in August 2026, the team will conduct another round of stakeholder outreach with local jurisdictions, partner agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to review the draft Priority Actions before they are incorporated into the first draft of the Watershed Master Plan. The team also continues to share progress with Valley Water Board advisory committees and incorporate their feedback throughout the planning process.
What's Next
The first draft of the Lower Peninsula Watershed Master Plan is anticipated by the end of 2026.
Community input continues to play an important role in shaping the plan. If you have an idea for a watershed improvement or believe there is a Priority Action that should be considered, it's not too late to participate. We encourage you to submit your ideas via email to Emercado@valleywater.org.
To view the subject matter expert workshop presentation, click here.
