COMMITTEE AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Recycled Water Committee
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ? No ?
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A – Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: title
Receive Information and Provide Feedback on the Results from the 2026 Purified Recycled Water Public Perception Poll.
End
RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Receive information and provide feedback on the results from the 2026 Purified Recycled Water Public Perception Poll.
Body
SUMMARY:
Public Perception Poll Approach
In 2026, Valley Water updated its 2026 Purified Recycled Water Public Perception Poll (Poll) to better align with the advancement of the Pure Water Silicon Valley potable reuse project. Previous polls largely measured public perceptions of the general concept of purified water for potable reuse. This year, Valley Water introduced questions with clearer terminology to distinguish recycled water from purified water and expanded the poll to measure perceptions of and support for Pure Water Silicon Valley.
The updated approach was informed by previous Valley Water research, industry best practices, and benchmarking other water agencies' public opinion research. These changes provide a more project-focused understanding of public opinion and establish a new baseline to guide future Pure Water Silicon Valley communications, education, and outreach.
Public Perception Poll Results
EMC Research conducted a countywide survey of 600 Santa Clara County residents in June 2026 through telephone and online interviews in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
Key findings include:
Initial project support is split.
52% supported Pure Water Silicon Valley, 36% opposed it, and 12% were unsure.
Information increases support.
After receiving additional project information, support increased to 58%.
Support remained resilient after hearing opposing arguments.
50% of respondents continued to support the project.
Public education remains important.
The results reinforce the value of p...
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