Chris Hentz

This Fiscal Year 2026/27 Ten-Year Water System Capital Improvement Plan serves as the primary planning document for ensuring the long-term resiliency and reliability of Zone 7's water system. It outlines prioritized investments in renewal and replacement, system improvements, and facility expansions to meet existing and projected future water demands. Key focus areas include water supply reliability projects, PFAS treatment, and the enhancement of existing infrastructure. The plan identifies 50 projects and programs totaling $874.7 million over ten years, distributed across Renewal/Replacement (17%), System-Wide Improvements (30%), and Expansion (53%).

The meeting covered several agenda items, including discussions on Chain of Lakes Area Activities, specifically Pleasanton Planning Activities, Preliminary Lake Use Evaluation, and the Chain of Lakes Conveyance System Alignment. Another key discussion focused on the Regional Groundwater Facilities Improvement Project, detailing next steps. The committee also addressed the status update on Groundwater Modeling/PFAS, the Water Supply Agreement, and other Zone 7 and Water System Activities. The future scheduling of committee meetings was reviewed, proposing a schedule of twice per year.

The Board meeting included a closed session to discuss negotiations related to real property, labor matters, existing litigation involving several water-related cases, and anticipated litigation. In open session, key discussions and actions included the approval of minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting. The Consent Calendar involved several actions: authorizing amendments to contracts with HDR Engineering, Inc., Environmental Science Associates (ESA), and Larsen Wurzel & Associates, Inc. (LWA) for the Flood Management Plan Phase 2A; awarding a consulting contract to EKI Environment & Water, Inc. for the 2026 Five-Year Periodic Evaluation of the Alternative Groundwater Sustainability Plan; approving the commercial use of a septic system at the Jagannath Cultural and Educational Center, contingent on specified conditions; adopting a special rate of $133/AF for Calendar Year 2026 Article 21 water; authorizing the execution of Amendment 7 to extend the Dry Year Water Purchase Program agreement through 2050; and calling for the election of four Zone 7 Board Members to be consolidated with the Direct Primary Election on June 2, 2026. The Board also discussed and authorized the General Manager to approve the reassignment of Sites Reservoir capacity among project participants and delegate authority for similar administrative actions. Other items included a workshop providing an update on Phase I feasibility study results for the Regional Groundwater Facilities Improvement Project and reports from Directors on various committee and external agency meetings.

The Flood Management Plan (FMP) by Zone 7 Water Agency is a comprehensive strategy addressing current and future flood risks in the Tri-Valley area. Its primary objectives include improving flood protection, reducing public safety impacts, minimizing lifecycle costs, and decreasing the risk of economic impacts due to flood damage. The plan unfolds in phases, with Phase 1 defining goals and objectives (Summer 2022) and Phase 2 detailing implementation strategies, with components extending through 2027.

This document outlines Zone 7's Flood Management Plan (FMP), a strategic initiative aimed at addressing current and future flood risks within the Tri-Valley area. The plan focuses on reducing public safety and economic impacts from flooding, minimizing lifecycle costs, and enhancing the flood protection system. It also seeks to improve understanding of flood risks and establish a financially sustainable blueprint, with a timeline for implementation extending to 2027.