Beall: Valley Water celebrates volunteers during National Volunteer Week

In Santa Clara County, you might see a Valley Water volunteer picking up litter from a creek or helping neighbors understand local water issues. These actions add up.

In 2025, our volunteers contributed more than 9,200 hours. They removed tens of thousands of pounds of trash and served their communities as water ambassadors.

Volunteers are crucial to Valley Water’s mission of providing safe, clean water for our health, environment and economy. They remove trash, educate the public by sharing resources and inspire others to join our work.

That’s why this time of year is especially meaningful. Valley Water is celebrating National Volunteer Week from April 19 through April 25. This is a time to recognize the contributions of our volunteers and reflect on the difference they make year-round.

On April 14, my fellow board members and I passed a resolution to express our appreciation. Valley Water volunteers play an essential role in protecting Santa Clara County’s water resources, and we are grateful for their service.

The impact of this dedication extends far beyond what we see every day. Volunteer efforts help improve water quality, reduce pollution and protect wildlife habitats throughout Santa Clara County. From removing trash in local waterways to educating neighbors about water issues, these contributions strengthen both the environment and the community.

Based on national estimates for the value of volunteer time, this work represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in community benefits. This investment helps create a healthier environment for everyone.

Programs like Adopt-A-Creek show what sustained community involvement can achieve. In 2025, more than 70 partners gave more than 1,100 hours to maintain 52 miles of waterways. I represent District 4, where our sites have been adopted by community groups, scout troops, churches, schools and even a tech company. They help keep numerous waterways clean — Alamitos, Canoas  Guadalupe, Los Gatos, Ross and San Tomas Aquino creeks and the Guadalupe River.

Large events like National River Cleanup and California Coastal Cleanup days also bring volunteers together. Last year, community members contributed 8,067 hours to remove 48,384 pounds of litter from 146 miles during these events.

Valley Water volunteers help build a more informed and engaged community. Through the Water 101 Academy, participants learn about local water issues and become advocates for environmental stewardship. More than 100 graduates now serve as water ambassadors, sharing knowledge, supporting Valley Water projects and encouraging others to get involved.

To every one of our volunteers, thank you. Your dedication, passion and service make a real and lasting difference. Because of you, our creeks are cleaner, our communities are stronger and our future is brighter.

There are many ways to get involved with Valley Water. Whether you join a cleanup, adopt a creek or become a water ambassador, your efforts can make a meaningful difference. I encourage you to take part and help protect the place we all call home.

To learn more about Valley Water’s volunteer opportunities and the Water 101 Academy, visit valleywater.org.

Jim Beall represents District 4 on the Valley Water board of directors. He served as a state legislator in the Assembly and Senate. He also served as a Santa Clara County supervisor and San Jose councilmember.