COMMITTEE AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Environmental and Water Resources Committee
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: title
Receive an Update on Valley Water’s Maintenance Activities on the Coyote-Alamitos Canal.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Receive an Update on Valley Water’s Maintenance Activities on the Coyote-Alamitos Canal.
Body
SUMMARY:
The Coyote-Alamitos Canal was originally constructed in 1936 and later expanded in the 1950s. Valley Water historically operated the canal to convey water supplies from the Coyote Creek Watershed to groundwater percolation facilities on the west side of the valley.
The canal was last operated by Valley Water in 1998. Since that time, staff have continued to inspect and maintain the facility as a Valley Water asset until it can be properly decommissioned. The canal extends approximately 21.1 miles, of which Valley Water holds fee title ownership over about 2.6 miles, with the remaining portions maintained through easement rights. Today, the canal primarily provides stormwater conveyance and flood protection benefits to adjacent properties.
Background
On January 20, 2026, a member of the ECCC requested an update regarding the Coyote-Alamitos Canal, specifically addressing Valley Water’s ongoing maintenance responsibilities and its future plans for the inoperable facility.
Maintenance Activities
Valley Water performs annual full-length canal inspection, annual vegetation management along the maintenance road and canal banks, sediment removal, concrete canal liner repair, culvert pipe maintenance, and trash and debris removal.
Distribution System Master Plan
The Distribution System Master Plan Implementation Project is a 30-year planning effort aimed at ensuring our existing water transmission and distribution infrastructure meets future needs. The master plan also includes scope for assisting with the evaluation of inactive canals, including the Coyote-Alamitos Canal. The master plan will identify, assess, and plan recommendations for the safe decommissioning or alternate use of the inoperable canals. The evaluation is currently underway and is anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2026.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
There are no environmental justice impacts associated with this item.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: PowerPoint
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER:
Manager
Gregory Williams, 408-630-2867