July 2026

Developing Strong Partnerships for a Reliable Water Future

Potential Jersey Island Purchase and Restoration

Diablo Water District currently has an opportunity to purchase Jersey Island from Ironhouse Sanitary District. Jersey Island is one of eight western delta islands that are critical to preserving fresh water in the Delta. 

Acquiring Jersey Island is a rare opportunity to protect and restore 3,570 acres of habitat critical to the health of the Delta and our water supply, while expanding local control of our precious water resources, maximizing ecological benefits, and providing public access. Community partners have already expressed interest in exploring future restoration opportunities that could include wetlands, trails, camping, and other recreational uses. If the island is purchased, we are committed to engaging the community in shaping a space that balances public access with the protection and preservation of local wildlife habitat. 

The District has actively pursued grant funding to contribute to the purchase of the island and has already received funding commitments from several philanthropic organizations. If a purchase moves forward, our goal is to acquire the island without funding from ratepayers, and we are focused on partnership funding to support the purchase and future improvements.

Our mission as a community-focused water provider dedicated to protecting water resources has guided the District’s decision to enter into this contractual agreement for a potential purchase. The contract does not commit the District to purchasing the island. Instead, it allows us to conduct a comprehensive assessment by evaluating the island's soil and environmental conditions before making a final decision.

The District invites the public to attend a District Board of Director's Study Session on Monday, August 3rd at 6pm, where the Board will receive highlights from initial studies and reports from environmental engineers, as well as from subject matter experts in oil and gas, reclamation districts, carbon reduction, and land title regarding the condition of the island, including any potential environmental concerns. 

Water Reliability Starts with Planning Today

Future water reliability is at the forefront of our minds in our daily operations. The state-required Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) have been adopted by the Board of Directors.

Updating these plans every five years supports the District’s long-term planning for future water demands, assesses local water supply reliability, and conducts a water shortage analysis to strengthen drought resiliency. With climate variability and California’s recurring drought conditions, the updated plans place a greater focus on drought resiliency, alignment with water conservation and shortage planning requirements, and more detailed reporting.

The drought risk assessment in the WSCP evaluates demands and supplies over an assumed five-dry-year period to help us plan for potential shortage actions or responses needed to address water supply gaps. Through these planning efforts, the District remains focused on sustainable solutions for our long-term water supply while considering the health of our Delta.

We value input from our community and continue to invite the public to participate in important planning discussions through our monthly Board meetings. We are committed to your water future and ensuring the water you rely on today is there for your tomorrow.

Fire Hydrant Project to Improve Fire Protection on Bethel Island

This summer, Diablo Water District will begin construction to install a new fire hydrant on Bethel Island using existing grant funding. The project is part of the District's ongoing efforts to improve fire flow and enhance fire protection for the community.

The project includes a new pipeline and fire hydrant that will provide fire protection infrastructure to portions of the island where a centralized fire suppression system does not currently exist, helping strengthen emergency response capabilities.

This project is separate from the Sandmound Consolidation Project and the potential future consolidation of Bethel Island mutual water systems. Updates on those efforts will continue to be posted on the District's website as new information becomes available.

Improving essential infrastructure today helps build a safer, more resilient community for tomorrow. As we complete this work, we appreciate your patience and ask that you slow down, stay alert, and help keep our crews and the community safe.  

We love hearing from you.

Contact us at customers@diablowater.gov or (925) 625-3798.

We are available 24/7 for water emergencies.

• July 29th - Special Board Meeting 2:00 pm (In-Person or Virtual Attendance)

• August 3rd - Board of Director's Study Session 6:00 pm (In-Person or Virtual Attendance)

• August 19th - Special Board Meeting 6:30 pm (In-Person or Virtual Attendance)

Lobby Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 5 pm.

Our Customer Service Team is available by phone on Fridays until 4 pm.

Emergencies: 24 hours / 7 days per week

Phone: (925) 625-3798 • Email: customers@diablowater.gov

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 127, Oakley, CA 94561

www.diablowater.gov