(Posted 10/25/23) North Marin Water District is conducting a customer survey to help us better understand your needs, so that we may improve our services and communications. Click here to participate. Thank you.
(Updated August 14, 2023) The District plans to conduct the final phase of damage assessment on the North Marin Aqueduct shortly following completion of the new retaining wall on the west side of Redwood Blvd. at the landslide near Olompali State Park. Caltrans is currently on schedule for completion of the new wall by the end of September 2023. Once the new wall is complete, the District will perform another visual inspection inside of the pipe to determine if the structural integrity of the aqueduct has been compromised. Our assessments to date have not found significant issues with the condition of the pipe and we resumed operations of the aqueduct to accommodate demands as of late-April. Both Caltrans and PG&E have been great partners in responding to the landslide event.
(Posted August 4, 2023) Stafford Dam, completed by North Marin Water District (NMWD) in 1951, is a key resource for Novato, California. The Dam, also known as Novato Creek Dam, impounds run-off water for treatment and distribution. The resulting Stafford Lake Reservoir annually contributes approximately 20% of Novato’s potable water supply. The Dam is also a hub for local recreational activities, with Stafford Lake Park and the Indian Valley Golf Course situated nearby.
Structural adjustments and upgrades have improved the Dam’s ability to handle maximum flood scenarios. However, dams carry inherent risks. Though rare, dam failures can lead to significant damage and even loss of life. Stafford Dam is classified as an “Extremely High Hazard Dam” by the California Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) and as a “High Hazard Dam” at the federal level. These classifications highlight the potential downstream impacts should a catastrophic failure occur when the lake is completely full.
To manage this risk, NMWD maintains a robust safety program, including daily and weekly visual observations (including the use of 24-hour surveillance cameras), and regular engineering inspections. The Dam has also undergone several detailed investigations and engineering analyses over the years, including seismic safety studies and stability analyses. On an ongoing basis, NMWD collaborates with local emergency managers for regular exercises related to potential dam failure scenarios.
Local residents are encouraged to understand the potential consequences of dam failure and consider flood insurance for properties within or near the inundation zone. Inundation mapping is different and separate from FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
An inundation map for Stafford Dam and the surrounding area can be seen on this Stafford Dam fact sheet which goes into greater detail about the information covered in this article.
To receive emergency notifications, residents can sign up for Alert Marin and Nixle at emergency.marincounty.org.
More information on general dam safety can be accessed from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials by visiting damsafety.org.
(Updated June 20, 2023) We continue to assess the landslide along Redwood Blvd. near Olompali State Park and potential impacts to the North Marin Aqueduct. Our current assessments have not found significant issues and we have resumed operation of the aqueduct to accommodate demands as of late-April. We have special operational and communications protocols in place with partner agencies in case there is an immediate need to shut down the pipeline and we have ordered spare sections of pipe in case an emergency repair is needed. Caltrans has begun repair work of the landslide area consisting of a new retaining wall. We plan further assessments in coordination with this work’s completion and in the event that we find impacts to the aqueduct that would affect operation, we will update through a website news story. We appreciate the effort from our customer to curtail outdoor irrigation back in April during the early stages of the emergency when the aqueduct was shut-off and water for the service area was solely supplied by Stafford Lake Treatment Plant.
(Updated June 14, 2023)
The District proposes rate increases for the Novato service area for fiscal year 2023-2024 (FY 23/24). If approved at the public hearing on June 20, 2023, the new rates will go into effect on July 1, 2023.
The public hearing will take place at 100 Wood Hollow Drive in Novato at 4:00 pm. For more details about the public hearing and the proposed rate increases see the links below. Also, look for a detailed flyer in the mail.
The key reasons that a 9.5% rate increase for Novato Water and a 5.3% rate increase for Recycled Water is needed are described below:
- Rising costs to purchase imported water. The District typically imports 75% of its water from Sonoma County Water Agency. The cost of purchasing imported water accounts for 30% of the budget and the water supplier has increased its rates of purchased water by 12.51% in FY 23/24.
- Increased investment in water facilities. The District must continue to invest in facility upgrades and replacements, including water supply enhancement projects, with an approximate cost of $4 million per year. These investments benefit the system’s fire protection, water supply, and aging infrastructure and are essential to properly maintain the District’s$132 million system of pipelines, pumps, Stafford Dam, treatment plants, valves, hydrants, laboratory, monitoring systems, buildings, and more.
- Impact of inflation on all costs. The proposed revenue increase is designed to meet all the costs of providing water service. This includes purchasing, treating, and delivering safe, high-quality, reliable water to your home or business without fail.
Rate comparison
Our proposed rate increase is the lowest in Marin County and at the median for water agencies around the Bay Area region.
More Information About Proposed Rate Changes
- Mailed Notice with Detailed Information on Proposed Rate Increases
- Novato Water & Recycled Water 5-Year Financial Plan FY 23/24
- Low Income Rate Assistance Program
- https://csd.ca.gov/waterbill
(Updated June 14, 2023)
The District proposes rate increases for the West Marin Water service area for fiscal year 2023-2024. If approved at the public hearing on June 20, 2023, the new rates will go into effect on July 1, 2023.
The public hearing will take place at 100 Wood Hollow Drive in Novato at 4:00 pm. For more details about the public hearing and the proposed rate increases see the links below.
The key reasons that a 6% rate increase is needed are described below:
- Continued investment in water facilities. The District must continue to make investments in facility upgrades and replacements that will benefit the West Marin Water System’s fire protection, water supply, and aging infrastructure. This will help to properly maintain the service area’s treatment plant, 26 miles of pipeline, 7 pump stations, 13 tanks, 4 wells, 172 hydrants, monitoring systems, and more.
- Impact of inflation on all costs. The proposed revenue increase is designed to meet all the costs of providing water service. This includes purchasing, treating, and delivering safe, high-quality, reliable water to your home or business without fail.
More Information About Proposed Rate Changes