Camping along the rivers and creeks in Silicon Valley will be illegal starting next month. This week, Santa Clara Valley Water (SCVW) ruled nearly unanimously to ban unhoused encampments on its property.

Following a vote held by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, camping will no longer be allowed near most waterways countywide.

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.

Valley Water's Board approves an ordinance to prevent encampments along waterways for environmental and public health reasons.

Homeless people are barred from living along regional waterways owned by Santa Clara County’s largest water agency — and could be charged with an infraction or misdemeanor and face up to $500 fines if they’re caught camping there.