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2026 Snowpack: 18 Percent of Average. The Reliability Math Just Got Worse.
California's April 1 snowpack came in at 18 percent of average — the second lowest reading on record at Phillips Station. In the Northern Sierra, where Zone 7's State Water Project deliveries originate, snowpack is just 6 percent of average. The reliability case is no longer a forecast. It is the current data.
Delta Conveyance: A Court Closes One Door, A Council Opens Another
In eight days, the California Supreme Court ended DWR's bond-financing pathway and the Delta Stewardship Council remanded the project on two Delta Plan policies. Here is what changes for Zone 7's $443 million share.
Pleasanton and Zone 7 Pool Their Wells: $27 Million Instead of $65 Million
On April 21, the Pleasanton City Council unanimously approved a Joint Groundwater Supply Project with Zone 7 — about $27 million, compared to roughly $65 million for Pleasanton to rehab its three PFAS-shut wells alone. This is the kind of capital-allocation decision the next Zone 7 board will see more of.
Many Sources, One Bill: What Zone 7's $874 Million Plan Means for Tri-Valley Water Customers
On April 15, the Zone 7 board adopted a $874.7 million ten-year plan. Here is what it does, how it will reach your water bill, and what it does not yet tell ratepayers.
The Chain of Lakes: Zone 7's Local Water Future
A $356.5 million pipeline project that connects Zone 7's local reservoirs to its treatment plant. This is the infrastructure bet on local water supply.
Delta Conveyance: A $443 Million Question
Zone 7's share of the Delta Conveyance Project is estimated at $443 million — and the board hasn't committed to construction yet. Here's how I think about it.
Groundwater: The Aquifer Under Our Feet
Zone 7's groundwater basin holds 254,000 acre-feet — but PFAS has taken 40% of production offline. The Regional Groundwater Development project aims to bring it back.
Mocho PFAS Treatment Plant: $54 Million to Protect Our Drinking Water
Zone 7's third PFAS treatment facility is moving forward — $54.4 million, targeting 2028 completion, with a $25 million grant application in progress.
Sites Reservoir: New Water North of the Delta
Zone 7 is one of 24 agencies investing in Sites Reservoir — a new water source that doesn't depend on Delta conveyance. Construction decision expected this year.
What the Capital Plan Means for Water Rates
Zone 7's new CIP shifts $209 million from developer-funded to ratepayer-funded projects. That rate pressure signal deserves an honest conversation.
Zone 7 Adopts $875 Million Capital Plan
The Zone 7 Board adopted its ten-year Capital Improvement Plan last night — $874.7 million across 50 projects. Here's what it means for the Tri-Valley.
Our Water Supply Is Less Reliable Than You Think
The State Water Project delivers just 54% of Zone 7's contractual allocation — and that number is heading down. Local supply investment is not optional.