The Zone 7 Water Agency is evaluating how it will split the costs of pending major capital improvements between new development and ratepayers. In a meeting with BIA members on July 30, 2019, agency staff presented potential shifts in its preliminary “Cost Allocation Study for Water Supply Reliability Projects” report, highlighting policy decisions that will ultimately translate into changes in the one-time connection fees that developers pay. Click HERE to download the agency’s slideshow. It is too early to predict how these policies will impact connection fees, as staff says the agency must still complete an updated regional water demand analysis and a fee study. In addition, planning for many of these potential improvements remain in the early stages with costs, feasibility, timing and approvals uncertain. These include the controversial Delta tunnel, Los Vaqueros Reservoir expansion, Sites Reservoir, recycled water, and the Chain of Lakes pipeline and storage. During the meeting, BIA and its members urged the agency to carefully consider how higher fees — will negatively impact the housing crisis. The group also discussed how tightening statewide water conservation regulations coupled with increasingly higher water efficient homes will mitigate future water demands. BIA will continue to monitor the agency’s cost allocation policy discussions and track its capital project plans. BIA members who wish to be notified of Zone 7 connection fee issues and meetings should send an email request to Lisa Vorderbrueggen at lvorderbrueggen@biabayarea.org. Zone 7 supplies treated drinking water to Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin and Dougherty Valley. It also supplies untreated irrigation water in South Livermore Valley and provides flood protection for 425 square miles of eastern Alameda County.
