Lower Penitencia Watershed

The Lower Penitencia Creek Watershed drains about 30 square miles, half of on the western slopes of the Diablo Mountain Range on the east side of the Santa Clara Basin, and the other half on the valley floor.  The major tributaries joining the mainstem are the East Penitencia Channel and Berryessa Creek.

The Creek flows from the foothills of the Diablo Range, through undeveloped, unincorporated county land, and continues westerly through largely residential neighborhoods in the Cities of Milpitas and San Jose, transitioning to higher density residential neighborhoods and industrial areas west of Interstate 680.

Watershed Facts

  • Drainage area:  28.6 square miles
  • Number of creeks:  13
  • Miles of creek:  29.2
  • Miles of Engineered Channel: 20.8
  • Miles of Underground Culvert or Stormdrain:  61.6
  • Local jurisdictions:  Santa Clara County, San Jose, Milpitas
  • Percent area by land use:
    • Residential 30.7%
    • Industrial/Commercial 19.0%
    • Forest 1.1%
    • Rangeland 38.7%
    • Other 10.5%
  • Percent Impervious Area:  42.9%
  • Beneficial Uses: None Designated

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