Zone 7 Water Agency Highlights Resilience and Innovation in FY 2023-2024 Annual Report

LIVERMORE, Calif. – (February 5, 2025) – Zone 7 Water Agency (Zone 7) published its online Annual Report for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, sharing an in-depth look at the organization’s operations in delivering safe, reliable water and flood protection services to 261,000 residents in the Tri-Valley. The interactive Annual Report features an accessible award-winning design for the community, showcasing videos, infographics and visuals that help illustrate the work of the agency in an accessible, interactive format.

“This report reflects the importance of our work to ensure the safety, health, and resilience of the Tri-Valley community,” said Zone 7 Water Agency General Manager Valerie Pryor. “By delivering safe, clean drinking water, protecting against floods, and planning for climate challenges, we are building a sustainable future for generations to come. At the same time, we remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency and fostering trust with the community we serve today.”

Highlights of the 2024 Online Annual Report include:

• Ensuring Water Quality by advancing PFAS Solutions: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in manufacturing consumer goods, including nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foams. These chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. Zone 7 achieved major milestones in addressing PFAS challenges to ensure families in the Tri-Valley have continued access to safe, clean drinking water:

  • The Stoneridge Well PFAS Treatment Facility, the first of its kind in Northern California and fully funded by a Department of Water Resources Sustainable Groundwater Management grant, began producing treated water in September 2023.
  • Construction of the Chain of Lakes PFAS Treatment Facility is on track to be operational in February 2025.
  • In 2025, design for the Mocho Wellfield PFAS Treatment Facility will commence.

• Securing our community’s long-term Water Reliability: Zone 7 delivered over 35,000 acre-feet of potable water and replenished 9,600 acre-feet in the local groundwater basin. These efforts ensure uninterrupted water supply for residents and businesses. In addition, Zone 7 remains a partner in supporting long-term water reliability projects like the Sites Reservoir and Delta Conveyance.
   
• Enhancing Flood Protection: Maintenance and engineering staff collaborated to conduct the annual flood system condition assessment. Minor maintenance issues were proactively addressed, while larger repair needs, many resulting from the 2023 storms were analyzed and scheduled strategically by priority.  A key project in 2025 will be the Alamo Creek Bank Stabilization Pilot Project, supported by $4.6 million in grant funding. The Agency also implemented a new Storm Alert Level system to keep residents informed during severe weather events. These efforts safeguard homes, schools, and businesses from severe flooding while ensuring the safety and resilience of the Tri-Valley community.

• Award-Winning Financial Planning: The agency secured $30 million in bond proceeds to fund critical capital improvements and achieved a ‘AAA’ bond rating. This strong financial standing allows Zone 7 to invest in vital infrastructure without placing additional burden on ratepayers. The agency also earned multiple awards for excellence in financial reporting and budgeting.
   
• Engaging and Educating the Community: Through the reimagined Water Academy, Zone 7 reached over 12,000 students with hands-on lessons, inspiring the next generation of water champions. The agency strengthened transparency and community engagement with public tours of its water treatment plant, a flood preparedness open house, engaging educational videos, and 33 special events.

Recognized for Excellence in Design

In 2023, Zone 7 launched a redesigned website to host its Annual Report as an interactive, online-first publication, enhancing accessibility and engagement for Tri-Valley residents. The Agency’s interactive Annual Report website has since received global recognition, earning two prestigious international awards for its innovative design and accessibility.

In February 2025, the website was named a Gold Winner in the 2025 AVA Digital Awards, an international competition honoring exceptional work by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design, and production of media that advances digital communication. Recognized for its engaging and user-friendly design, the Annual Report makes it easier for Tri-Valley residents to explore Zone 7’s efforts in water security, quality, and sustainability. The report was also honored in January 2025 with a Silver Award in the 2025 BETTER FUTURE GOV Design Awards for Graphic Design in the Publication category, which recognizes outstanding government-funded projects that drive economic, social, and environmental progress.

“The online format of the 2023 report underscores Zone 7’s commitment to transparency and accessibility, offering an enhanced user experience,” the BETTER FUTURE GOV Design Awards stated. “This annual report stands as a testament to the essential work of Zone 7 and Axiom’s ability to deliver impactful communication solutions that strengthen community connections, taking complex information and presenting it in a way the community can understand.”

To read Zone 7 Water Agency’s full Annual Report for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, visit: zone7water.report