(Posted January 25, 2024) As part of an ongoing commitment to being better prepared to respond to extreme weather events, North Marin Water District (NMWD) has joined the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) Water Affiliates Group, in partnership with Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) and the County of Marin.
This multi-agency group leverages the work of the CW3E at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography to advance understanding of atmospheric rivers, strategically improve water management, mitigate flood risk, and increase water supply reliability.
Atmospheric rivers are defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as “relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere – like rivers in the sky – that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics.” As reported by CW3E, extreme rainfall caused by these columns of condensed water is responsible for nearly 85% of flooding events along the West Coast.
NWMD joining the CW3E Water Affiliates Group also reflects NMWD’s response to the recommendations of the Dam and Reservoir Safety report issued in June 2023 by the Marin County Civil Grand Jury. As the report reflects, NMWD’s Stafford Dam is in full compliance with the California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) regulations regarding dam safety and operations. However, per the Report, “regulatory agencies requirements for dam safety do not incorporate the latest scientific information on climate change.”
As such, the Report recommended that NMWD (and MMWD) should “begin collaboration with scientific institutions” to expand our toolkit of mitigation strategies in light of the growing risk presented by atmospheric river events. Joining the CW3E Water Affiliates Group is a significant step in connecting with like-minded organizations and understanding atmospheric rivers and implementing real-world water resource solutions through decision support tools developed by CW3E.
(Posted January 5, 2024) Customers are welcome and encouraged to attend North Marin Water District’s Special Board Meeting on January 9, 2024 at 4pm. For more details, click here.
(Posted December 21, 2023) On December 19, 2023, the District revised Regulation 18 (Recycled Water Service), and enacted a new Regulation 19 (Enforcement for Recycled Water Use).
District Regulation 18 describes the availability of recycled water as well as the requirements and procedures, including formal agreements and permits necessary for connection to, extensions of, or modifications to, the District’s Recycled Water distribution system. These regulations generally apply to new development but can be applicable to a commercial property owner requesting new recycled water service for certain approved uses and where the District has determined a retrofit of the existing water service facilities is feasible to accommodate recycled water service. The revised Regulation 18 clarifies the intent and purpose of the regulation and provides a new section on the definition of terms used. The revised Regulation 18 also provides more clarity on exemption requests and determinations by the District for mandatory use exemptions as well as a new section on protection of public health. To view the updated version of Regulation 18, click here.
The new District Regulation 19, serves as a stand-alone enforcement regulation for recycled water use. The new Regulation 19 includes sections addressing violations, public nuisance related to unauthorized discharges, the liability associated with violations, non-compliance, and associated District recourses, and mandatory use assurance section. Importantly, the proposed Regulation 19 cross-references existing District Regulations 1, 6, 18, and 55, that address the handling of costs incurred by the District to correct the condition of illegal or non-permitted use as well as termination of service for non-compliance (Regulation 55). To view the new Regulation 19 click here.
(Posted 12/21/23) On December 19th, 2023, the District Board approved revisions to both Regulation 15 (Novato Service Area) and 17 West Marin Service Area) which provide the framework for all water conservation related activities in the Novato and West Marin service areas including both mandatory and voluntary water conservation programs (links below). The revisions to these regulations included a water waste restriction for non-residential non-functional turf (as to be mandated in the future and defined by the State Water Resources Control Board through the rulemaking process in response to the 2018 Legislation Making Conservation a California Way of Life); adding water conservation programs previously implemented under “pilot program” authority (including rainwater catchment, greywater systems and hot water recirculation system rebates); the establishment of a rebate for removal of swimming pools; and some additional minor text revisions to remain current and appropriate with current times including a portion of Section E. The water conservation rebate amounts are currently scheduled to be reviewed and possibly revised at the Board meeting on January 16, 2024.
The revised Regulation 15 can be viewed here: Regulation 15 (Novato Service Area)
The revised Regulation 17 can be viewed here: Regulation 17 (West Marin Service Area)
(Posted December 14, 2023) As part of our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) efforts in coordination with Marin County Office of Emergency Management, we wanted to let customers know about information on the County of Marin’s website regarding the LHMP. The public is invited to review the LHMP and provide feedback at the following link: https://emergency.marincounty.org/pages/mitigation
(Updated 12/4/23) Thank you for participating in our survey. The survey is now closed and we will be reaching out soon to those participating customers who were interested in the glass.
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.