Flood Management Plan
UPDATE: Zone 7 to Present Flood Protection System Evaluation Results May 21
Zone 7 Water Agency will share the results of a comprehensive evaluation of its flood protection system at the upcoming public Board meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This evaluation is a key step in developing a comprehensive Flood Management Plan to address current and future flood risks in the Tri-Valley area.
Recent flood events have highlighted the need to address issues like channel erosion and sedimentation in the 37-mile system. Factors such as urbanization, population growth, climate change, aging infrastructure, and evolving regulations are also putting increased pressure on the system.
This evaluation includes an updated Hydrologic and Hydraulic model incorporating the latest climate change data and land use information to project current and future flood risks. The findings will be presented at the May 21 meeting. Following this, Zone 7 will develop potential solutions, with a special Board workshop planned for Fall 2025 to review these alternatives.
The community is encouraged to attend the meeting in person at the Zone 7 Administrative Building (100 North Canyons Pkwy, Livermore), participate via Zoom (link on the agenda at zone7water.com/board-meetings), or watch the live broadcast on Comcast Channel 29, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 (Livermore), or online at tv29live.org.
Zone 7’s Flood Management Plan (FMP) is being completed through two phases with the goal of optimizing flood management across the entirety of the Zone 7 flood protection system.
Flood Management Plan Background
Recent, relatively minor flood events have caused widespread damage to Zone 7’s 37-mile flood protection system. Channel bank erosion and sedimentation have led to costly repairs. Moreover, the confluence of factors such as urbanization, population growth, climate change, aging flood infrastructure, and changing environmental regulations has exerted additional stress on the flood protection system.
Zone 7 is proactively addressing these challenges by developing a comprehensive Flood Management Plan (FMP) that will optimize flood management across the Livermore-Amador Valley region, encompassing the entirety of the Zone 7 flood protection system. This initiative is aligned with District Act 205, as modified by Assembly Bill 1125, and is harmonized with Zone 7’s overarching Strategic Plan. FMP formulation is further informed by prior planning studies.
The FMP is a high-level flood management strategy. The FMP Phase 1 document, published in September 2022, outlines the goals and objectives of Zone 7, describing “what” needs to be accomplished to reduce flood risk. The FMP Phase 2 document--currently under development--will describe “how” to achieve these goals and objectives with means/methods that are both practical and comprehensive.
The FMP will be updated every five years, or as conditions dictate.
Project Map
Click on the interactive map below to learn about the Zone 7 service area. Use the filter to edit which map features are displayed.
FMP Guiding Principles
Seven guiding principles direct Zone 7’s conduct of flood management and form the basis for the FMP.
Align with Zone 7 Strategic Plan
Foster public engagement
Do what is needed and practical to manage flood risk
Account for climate change
Be risk informed
Advance stakeholder collaboration
Provide multi-benefit solutions
FMP Phases
Phase 1
The Phase 1 document looked at what will reduce flood risk by:
- Describing the existing Zone 7 flood protection system and protected areas
- Describing the existing and future flood risks posed to the system and protected areas
- Establishing goals and objectives to reduce flood risk
Phase 2
The Phase 2 document will describe how to implement what was identified in Phase 1.
The Phase 2 document is currently being developed.
The Phase 2 FMP will:
- Specify existing and future risks
- Develop, evaluate, and prioritize proposed solutions
- Provide guidance for risk-based, proactive maintenance of the flood protection system
- Engage stakeholders and the public
Stay Informed
We value your input. Add your name to the stakeholder list to stay informed on project updates, public meetings, and opportunities for stakeholder engagement. Public comments on the FMP can be provided at any time.