Our Mission
To promote sustainable water supplies and conservation and protect natural ecosystems throughout the chapter's watersheds. To learn more, click here.
Monthly Meetings (Online)
All are welcome at our monthly meetings. It is a great way to advocate for water issues, learn about our region's water challenges, and also raise issues you would like to discuss. Join us! The Water Committee is a subcommittee of the Conservation Committee.
Join us! We now meet online the first Thursday of each month at 7 pm. Visit the chapter calendar for dates.
For the Zoom link and for more information on getting involved contact the Water Committee Chair using the button below. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your interests.
Current Projects
Just a few committee goals:
- We follow water supply and management planning efforts within the Loma Prieta Chapter area
- Lobby for sustainable water sourcing and management
- Oppose Valley Water's support for the Delta Tunnel project
- Advocate to expedite progress on Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat Collaborative Effort (FAHCE) and interim fish habitat improvements
| Read more about the Loma Prieta Water Committe Goals Read more about the Status of the Delta Tunnel. |
Join us!
All are welcome to participate. If you would like to join our advocacy efforts, contact us using the form at the bottom of this page, or simply show up at our next meeting. We can also add you to your discussion list.
News
Lehigh Hanson Cement Plant
by Natalie See, Irvington High School in Fremont
In December of 2011, the Lehigh Cement lawsuit was filed, and thus started a series of changes. Lehigh Hanson Cement Plant, owned by Hanson Permanente Cement, a longtime producer of Silicon Valley building materials were charged a $7.5 million fine to settle water pollution violations. The agreement with the EPA accounted for the dumping of millions of gallons of toxic wastewater into the creek in Cupertino. Discharged wastewater contained selenium, a naturally occurring element toxic to various birds, fish, and wildlife. The selenium levels surpassed the safety level by several folds, causing harm to several species of fish and frogs living in the water, especially the endangered steelhead trout. The element affects the food hierarchy by killing several species of animals. High levels of nickel, thallium, mercury, and various other pollutants, which are toxic to humans, were also present. Following several sample tests of the chemicals in the water by specialists and members of the Sierra Club, the case was finally brought to court. Read more here.
