Pleasanton Approves Joint Groundwater Project with Zone 7

Agreement Details

Pleasanton has moved forward with plans to restore its local groundwater supply after the City Council unanimously voted 5-0 on Tuesday, September 1. The council authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Zone 7 Water Agency for the Joint Groundwater Supply Project.

The agreement establishes a framework for designing, constructing, and operating new facilities through 2055. Under the terms, Zone 7 will own, operate, and maintain the new groundwater infrastructure. Pleasanton retains the right to withdraw 3,500 acre-feet of groundwater annually once the project is operational.

The project involves constructing two new groundwater wells at Pleasanton Tennis and Community Park and Hansen Park. A pipeline will transport the groundwater from these sites to Zone 7’s Hopyard Chloramination Facility for treatment before entering the Zone 7 water system. Zone 7 will deliver the treated water to the city through its existing system.

Construction is expected to begin with environmental review, design, and construction phases led by Zone 7. The facilities are projected to be completed and operational by the end of 2029. During the construction period, Zone 7 will continue supplying interim water to the city. If delays are caused solely by Zone 7, the city will receive water at a reduced rate.

The total projected cost for the joint groundwater facilities is $42.3 million, with Pleasanton’s share estimated at $15.2 million. Additionally, the city will independently fund improvements to its own distribution system, estimated at $12.3 million, to ensure proper water delivery to residents.

Financial and Operational Terms

The agreement includes provisions for cost management, requiring mutual approval from both agencies for any cost increases beyond approved contingencies. It also protects Pleasanton’s interests by allowing withdrawal during the design phase and guaranteeing the annual water allocation once operational.

After project completion in Phase III, Zone 7 will handle major repairs, replacements, and upgrades to the facilities. Pleasanton will contribute to operating and maintenance costs based on its proportional use of the facilities.

Mayor Jack Balch stated that restoring the local groundwater supply is essential for long-term water reliability and cost stability. "This agreement with Zone 7 provides us a path forward to bring our local water supply back online," Balch said.