The Wonder Down Under

How the Public Can Get Involved

Zone 7 takes great pride in involving the community in the decision-making process. One of Zone 7 Water Agency's primary functions is the management of the Livermore-Amador Valley Groundwater Basin. In 1995, a citizens' committee, the Groundwater Management Advisory Committee, was formed to address and provide public input on issues that could potentially impact the groundwater basin.

The GMAC reviews and comments on groundwater basin management and water recycling projects. The committee regularly meets on the first Thursday of each month. Please contact Zone 7 for the latest meeting schedule and agenda.

Recently, the California Department of Water Resources estimated that without careful resource management, water shortages will occur statewide by the year 2010. Zone 7's challenge is to address those issues through careful water resources management.

Californians have seen the cost of water rise. Currently, the Livermore-Amador Valley pays more than $500 per acre-foot of imported surface water. An acre-foot, approximately 326,000 gallons, of water is enough to supply two families for one year.

Zone 7's Groundwater Mangement Program helps ensure that acceptable water levels within the groundwater basin are maintained by artificially recharging (refilling) the basin and monitoring water levels.

Zone 7 recently took responsibility as the lead agency working toward protection of the Alameda Creek Watershed. The Alameda Creek Watershed Management Program is guided by a steering committee made up of many interested parties that meets the first Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the zone 7 board Room (5997 Parkside Dr., Pleasanton). The public is invited to attend. Please contact Zone 7 for the latest meeting schedule and agenda.