(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.
(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.