(Posted February 13, 2026) North Marin Water District (District) has updated the Novato Water System Master Plan (Master Plan) to guide investment decisions of both near- and long-term system improvements in the Novato Service Area. The original Master Plan was established in 2002 and  three subsequent updates have occurred, the most recent one in 2018. This Master Plan update expands on previous versions and is intended to be a dynamic document that can be updated as new information, data, and practices become available. The Master Plan identifies necessary system improvements for its current operation, expands asset management methodologies, updates future water demand forecasts based on current State Housing Mandates, and integrates risk and resilience practices to improve the overall reliability of the Novato Water system. To view the current final plan click HERE.

(Updated February 13, 2026) The Marin Municipal Water District (Marin Water), the water provider for central and southern Marin, is currently working on the preliminary design and environmental review of pipeline and related facilities that would move excess winter Russian River flows to storage reservoirs in Marin, providing critical drought resiliency.

If you would like further information on Marin Water’s ARC Project, please see their project webpage: www.marinwater.org/ARCproject

 

(Posted February 12, 2026)  The North Marin Water District (District) is currently working on the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and updating the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP). The UWMP integrates land use, water needs and supply, and demand management measures to document the District’s ability to provide a reliable supply of water to its customers projecting 25 years ahead. The associated WSCP considers dry-year water supply planning, including strategies to address water supply shortage conditions and emergencies proactively. A draft should be available in Spring of 2026 and Board approval through a public hearing is expected in June 2026.

If you would like further information or would like to provide input during the preparation of the District’s 2025 UWMP and WSCP, please contact the District at (415) 897-4133 or info@nmwd.com.

(Posted January 6, 2026) NMWD will begin its annual water main flushing program next week in the Zone 3 areas. This is a standard practice to ensure there is no degradation in water quality and to maintain an adequate chlorine residual (disinfectant) which helps prevent any bacterial growth in the pipelines. Customers may temporarily experience low water pressure or a slight, but harmless color in their water when the flushing is conducted in their neighborhood. NMWD crews have developed specific routes and use of isolation valves to maximize results using the least amount of water possible. Flushing is performed in the winter months when there is sufficient water supply for the task. All NMWD fire hydrants are inspected and tested as part of ongoing distribution maintenance. In addition, our annual water quality flushing program allows a more in-depth performance test on select hydrants and areas.

For more information on water quality visit https://nmwd.com/your-water/water-quality/. 

(Posted October 24, 2025) North Marin Water District is proud to share our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan recently approved by the Board.

To build this plan, we combined community input with the on-the-ground experience of our operators, construction crews, engineers, chemists, and customer service teams, and the policy guidance of our Board. At its core, the plan keeps us focused on the fundamentals. Our Water Supply – Stafford Dam and Lake, groundwater wells, and the Russian River through our long-standing relationship with Sonoma Water. Our system – storage tanks, pump stations, pipelines, hydrants, and treatment facilities.

The plan is organized around clear Goals, each supported by practical Actions. Each action in the plan has a target date, so progress is visible and trackable. Some actions are near-term that improve day-to-day administration and operations; others are multi-year initiatives or large capital projects that will prepare our system for natural hazards as well as the next generation.

Click here for an electronic version of the plan: NMWD Strategic Plan 2025-2030

(Posted August 26, 2025) The Lagunitas Creek Bridge Pipe Replacement Project will begin in late September 2025. This project involves installation of new valves on both sides of the Lagunitas Creek Bridge in anticipation of the replacement project led by Caltrans as well as installation of a permanent pipeline once the new Caltrans bridge is constructed. Project benefits include increased flexibility of the District’s water system to accommodate the temporary water line and future permanent water line on the new bridge. The project is estimated to be complete in November 2026.

For more information on this project click HERE.