Jason Ching

The 2025 Urban Water Management Plan for Zone 7 Water Agency details historical and projected water demands and supplies for its service area, serving approximately 267,000 people. The plan outlines strategies for ensuring water supply reliability under various conditions, including normal, single dry, and multiple dry years, over a 20-year planning horizon. Key components include demand management measures, a Water Shortage Contingency Plan, and the evaluation of future water supply projects to address anticipated supply deficits and population growth, particularly given its reliance on imported State Water Project water and local groundwater basin management.

The board meeting addressed various administrative and operational items. Key discussions included the approval of contracts for hydraulic modeling and structural engineering services, the procurement of laboratory maintenance services, and the authorization of blanket purchase orders for operational supplies. The board also approved a new personnel classification for a senior procurement specialist and adopted the 2026 Asset Management Plan along with the ten-year capital improvement plan for the water system. Additionally, the board held a closed session regarding legal and property matters.

The board meeting focused on the Mocho PFAS Treatment Plant project, a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at restoring water supply reliability. Key actions included the recommended award of a contract for Progressive Design-Build services to Garney Pacific, Inc. and the authorization to amend an existing contract with Carollo Engineers, Inc. for continued Owner's Representative support services during the pre-construction phase.

The Zone 7 Chain of Lakes Conveyance System Project outlines a strategic approach to securing long-term water reliability for the Tri Valley. The plan focuses on investing in local water supply infrastructure to mitigate climate change impacts by capturing and storing excess water in former quarry lakes during wet years. Key objectives include recharging the local groundwater basin, maximizing existing water resources, and implementing an eco-friendly design for new infrastructure. The project aims to increase local surface water storage capacity by approximately 30,000 acre-feet and enhance groundwater recharge, establishing a sustainable and resilient local lifeline for future generations.

The Board discussed and approved several items, including a reduction in the level of participation in the Sites Reservoir Project, the adoption of revised General Manager evaluation procedures, and the declaration of Fix a Leak Week. Financial actions included authorizing a financial assistance application for the Mocho PFAS Treatment Plant, the approval of a participation agreement for the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Management Organization, and the award of a contract for On-Call Well and Pump Repair Services to Bartley Pump PM LLC. Additionally, the Board authorized commercial septic system use for the Rodrigue Molyneaux Winery and approved both the award of a Design-Build contract for the Mocho PFAS Treatment Plant to Garney Pacific, Inc., and an amendment to the Owner's Representative support services contract with Carollo Engineers, Inc.