(Posted 10/27/26) Recent news coverage has highlighted the potential for El Niño conditions and the possibility of a wetter than normal winter. In preparation for the upcoming rainy season, North Marin Water District (NMWD) has taken proactive steps to help protect critical infrastructure and maintain essential services. The District has developed a list of priority actions for each department to complete ahead of winter. These efforts include (but are not limited to): 1) Identifying vulnerable facilities and developing site specific action plans; 2) Preparing backup power equipment by taking inventory of existing generators, purchasing an additional portable generator, performing necessary maintenance to make sure this equipment can be efficiently deployed to pump stations and other critical facilities; 3) Taking proactive measures in Oceana Marin Sewer Service Area to mitigate overflows; and 4) Coordinating with regional partners in the region to support preparedness and response efforts.

While NMWD is focused on preparing its water and wastewater facilities, the District does not manage stormwater runoff, flooding or tidal surge impacts. For information on broader community preparedness, including resources related El Niño weather impacts, customers are encouraged to visit the County of Marin’s El Niño preparedness website here: https://readymarin.marincounty.gov/weather-together/el-nino

(Posted August 12, 2026) The Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project (PVP), currently owned and operated by PG&E, is planned for license surrender and decommissioning, assuming approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The details of the decommissioning, including removal of Scott Dam and Cape Horn Dam, is detailed in PG&E’s July 2025 application to FERC. PG&E’s application includes Non-Project Use of Project Lands (NPUPL) for the proposes of constructing the New Eel-Russian Facility (NERF) while PG&E is decommissioning Cape Horn Dam. The NERF will allow continued diversions from the Eel River to the Russian River using some of the existing PVP facilities and newly constructed facilities.

Beginning in September 2025, the environmental review process began for the PVP’s decommissioning in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In May of 2026, environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) began. The State Water Resources Control Board is leading the CEQA efforts as a responsible state agency, and FERC is leading the NEPA process as the federal agency with authority. In parallel, the Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA) is conducting CEQA review for the proposed NERF. ERPA is a joint powers authority that was formed to lead discussions with PG&E and to eventually construct and operate the NERF.

For more information on PG&E’s plans to decommission and surrender PVP, click HERE.

To learn more about the NERF, visit the Eel-Russian Project Authority’s website HERE.

(Posted July 30, 2026) In 2023, the State of California passed AB 1572, which prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf on municipal, commercial, institutional and industrial properties, including HOA common areas. Non-functional turf is defined as “any turf planted within nonresidential landscapes, excluding recreational areas, and other areas where turf is necessary for the intended function of the planted area and no alternative materials are suitable for the anticipated site use.” In more basic terms, non-functional turf refers to decorative lawn maintained primarily for aesthetic reasons rather than for recreational or community activities. Turf areas watered by recycled water or well water are also excluded. With the exception of HOA common areas, residential properties are also excluded.

The compliance period is staggered for different land ownership from 2027 to 2029 with the compliance period beginning on:

January 1, 2027 for all municipal, public agency and/or government parcels

January 1, 2028 for all other institutional, commercial and industrial properties

January 1, 2029 for all common areas of properties of homeowners’ associations.

We hope to support our non-residential customers in meeting these new state requirements, in advance of the established timeline. We currently offer a Cash-for-Grass rebate that can help cover the cost of converting your lawn areas, up to $1.50/square foot, with the maximum determined on a case-by-case basis.

For more detailed information on non-functional turf visit nonfunctionalturfca.org.

If you are interested in learning more about non-functional turf and how the prohibition might affect your property and/or to determine if the State has identified nonfunctional turf on your property, please contact us at waterconserv@nmwd.com or 415-761-8987.

(Posted July 1, 2026) Our latest Annual Water Quality Report detailing results of tests performed in 2025 is now available on the website and can be found HERE. To request a paper copy of the 2026 Water Quality Report please call 415-761-8929.

(Posted May 22, 2026) North Marin Water District today announced its support for Vision for Our Water Future, a statewide initiative led by the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) to advance a reliable, safe and affordable water future for California.

The initiative brings together water leaders, business organizations and labor partners to elevate water as a top priority for state leaders. The Vision document (ACWA Vision Document) outlines practical, solutions-focused actions to strengthen California’s water system.

California’s water system faces increasing challenges from more extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and growing demand. At the same time, local water agencies continue to invest in and advance solutions to improve reliability and serve their communities.

The Vision for Our Water Future outlines key priorities, including elevating water as a statewide leadership priority, protecting affordability, delivering critical infrastructure, and modernizing water management. These actions are intended to provide a framework to support a more integrated and resilient water system that can meet the evolving needs of communities and the economy. North Marin Water District’s 2025 Novato System Master Plan is the pathway to delivering local critical infrastructure and modernizing water management.

North Marin Water District’s Board of Directors approved supporting ACWA and a coalition of partners in supporting the Vision and working with state leaders to advance these priorities. A copy of the District’s letter of support is available HERE.

 

 

(Posted May 1, 2026) The FREE Eco-Friendly Garden Tour is on May 9th from 10am to 4pm. Come and discover how native plants and drought-tolerant designs create beautiful, water-wise landscapes perfect for our California climate. Explore beautiful gardens across Sonoma and Marin counties and learn how to create your own sustainable oasis. The tour includes three awesome gardens in Novato.

Click HERE to sign up for the free tour.