San Jose Advances Water Purification Facility within Recycled Water Master Plan

In a recent joint meeting held on August 19, 2025, the San Jose City Council and the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board discussed significant advancements in the region's water sustainability efforts, particularly focusing on the expansion of recycled water use. This meeting highlighted the ongoing development of a new advanced water purification facility, which aims to enhance the local water supply and reduce reliance on imported water.

The proposed facility is part of a broader master plan that designates 60 acres for recycled water use expansion. The project includes a demonstration facility and learning center adjacent to the existing Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center. This initiative is designed not only to increase the amount of purified water available for the South Bay water recycling system but also to educate the public about direct potable reuse, a method of treating wastewater to make it safe for drinking.

Valley Water has engaged a consultant to conduct a feasibility study, which is essential for securing future construction grants. The study is estimated to cost around $1.5 million, with partial funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the project is ready for funding opportunities as they arise.

Public outreach has been a consistent theme since 2015, with efforts to educate the community about the benefits of recycled water. Recent public perception polls indicate that while overall support for purified water remains steady, there is a slight decline in favorability when discussing specific reuse methods. Notably, older adults show less support compared to younger demographics, suggesting a need for targeted outreach strategies.

Council members expressed enthusiasm about the progress made, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water solutions as the population grows. They acknowledged the challenges of increasing purified water production, particularly concerning costs, but recognized the necessity of such initiatives to ensure long-term water security.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration between the city and Valley Water to develop effective public education programs and to keep the community informed about project updates. As the region prepares for the construction of the new facility, anticipated to open in 2031, the focus remains on fostering public support and ensuring that the water supply meets the needs of both residents and businesses in the future.