Due to the good slope of our valley, water flows well via the creeks towards the Bay. Flood protection is under the administration of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which is also responsible for our drinking water. One of the three water treatment plants is located in the Almaden Valley on the the site of the old Graystone Quarry. Extensive development of what once was open land has reduced the water absorbing areas and the original flood plane, putting more pressure on the remaining watershed to carry off the water. In order to maintain good flow, scheduled inspection visits are planned for each creek, but actually the water district is dependent on the general public to report any flow impediment due to debris, etc.
Many creeks flow behind fenced residential areas and are difficult to gain access.
For a more comprehensive report, see the letter written by Rick Lindquist , who has the responsibility for maintaining the Almaden Valley Watershed. The Santa Teresa Creek, which is joined by the Arroyo Calero Creek flowing from the Calero Reservoir and flows into the Alamitos Creek. Looking at the Greystone Creek as a typical creek flowing into the Alamitos Creek, the source picture below was taken from the top end of Echo Ridge drive looking at Quicksilver Park. The creek then meanders between Hampton and Elwood Road, continuing just west of Elwood passing under the Almaden Expressway and then passing under Camden Ave. near Hidden Creek Dr. just southeast of Redmond Av. The Alamitos Creek joins the Guadalupe Creek, just North of the Coleman and Almaden Expressway intersection, to form the Guadalupe River, which flows into the Bay.