The Rinconada Water Treatment Plant, nestled in the heart of Los Gatos, was constructed in the 1960s and is Valley Water’s second largest plant. As the plant nears its 60th year, essential equipment is reaching the end of its useful life. The Rinconada Water Treatment Plant Reliability Improvement Project is a six-phase project underway to retrofit, upgrade and replace the key equipment so the plant can continue serving the county with safe, clean water.
As the Valley Water Board chair, I am proud to share exciting updates on the reliability improvement project. We’ve already completed several new Rinconada Water Treatment Plant facilities and systems. This work includes new and improved buildings, equipment and energy systems that are functional and have been in use at the plant since their completion.
Our work on phase 3 of the project began in the fall of 2023. The plant’s four original clarifiers have been completely demolished, and foundation preparation work for the new structures is progressing. Other work completed during this phase includes construction of a temporary chemical delivery station, as well as site-wide potholing and surveying. As work continues on the project’s next phases, four new facilities will be built to improve water quality and plant reliability.
Once completed, the reliability project will also increase the plant’s treatment capacity from 80 to 100 million gallons per day and help Valley Water meet increasingly stringent standards for water quality, seismic stability and safety.
It’s been a great pleasure to attend the community meetings for this project. Gathering feedback and responding to concerns is important to Valley Water. The project team and contractor are working hard to ensure our neighbors’ satisfaction with the construction work. Valley Water has diligently collaborated with our neighbors to address their concerns, such as site improvements to the Smith Creek Trail bordering the plant and the upcoming replanting of oak trees.
Instruments have been installed throughout the site to monitor construction dust and noise and help limit the project’s impact. Crews minimize dust impact on the community by covering all trucks, regularly watering the demolition area and ground, and spraying all trucks before they leave the site. All work trucks have been directed to limit backup alarms during the early mornings to reduce noise impacts, and the tone has been changed to a more natural sound. Reports on dust, noise and vibration activity are available to the community on our website at valleywater.org.
As the project progresses, Valley Water remains dedicated to completing the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant Reliability Improvement Project on time. As of July 2024, the project was on schedule, and all phases are targeted for completion by late 2029.
The Rinconada Water Treatment Plant Reliability Improvement Project is more than a construction project. It is a testament to our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of Santa Clara County residents. Investing in this critical infrastructure ensures a resilient and sustainable water future for generations to come.
Nai Hsueh is chair of the Valley Water Board of Directors.
