The new water district ordinance follows efforts earlier this year by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan directing the city to do more to clear encampments on creek properties the city owns after state water regulators threatened the city with millions of dollars in fines because the encampments violate water quality, trash and pollution laws.

SAN JOSE — Following a vote held by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, camping will no longer be allowed near most waterways countywide. It will affect the multiple encampments that stretch along creeks, rivers, and streams in Santa Clara County ...

The main water provider in Santa Clara County approved an ordinance Tuesday that makes it a crime to live along creeks and rivers that provide water and flood control to the region. Before the 6-1 vote in favor of the ordinance, the Valley Water board of ...