(Posted April 6, 2023) The drought is officially over at North Marin Water District with ample rainfall this year and full water supply levels both locally and regionally. The North Marin Water District Board took action on April 4th, 2023 to rescind both Emergency Water Conservation Ordinances, which effectively ended the non-essential water use prohibitions, the suspension on new connections, and the drought surcharge. We want to thank our customers from both service areas for responding to the water conservation mandates during the last three years but also remind customers that using water efficiently is always needed and appreciated. Also a reminder that water waste prohibitions remain in effect at all times (permanently) through District Regulation 15 and 17, Section B. As we update the website over the next week to address these changes, please check back for updates.
(Updated April 7, 2023) On March 22, 2023 a significant landslide occurred along Redwood Blvd. near Olompali State Park in the vicinity of the North Marin Aqueduct, a 30-inch pipeline, which conveys water to Marin County from the Sonoma County Water Agency. Although it is not apparent if the slide has impacted the pipe itself, the District has isolated a segment of the aqueduct at this location, out of an abundance of caution, to avoid any public safety issues or water loss that would result from the potential failure of the pipeline. The District is conducting ongoing assessments of the aqueduct to determine if there is any damage to the pipeline and is engaged in contingency planning for the next steps.
We are currently able to meet all of our current customer domestic water needs by operating our Stafford Lake Treatment Plant.
On April 4, 2023 the North Marin Water District Board declared a Local Emergency to address the Landslide at the North Marin Aqueduct. This authorizes the General Manager to implement water use prohibitions – if needed – to fit the need of the system, and is consistent with the District’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
On April 7, 2023 the District asked all customers to keep irrigation and sprinkler systems shut off until the assessment is completed, which is expected to be Friday April 14, 2023.
At this time, there is no evidence of pipeline damage. However, our assessment is ongoing.
If it is determined that the pipeline has suffered any damage, more significant water use reduction mandates will be implemented as the warmer season approaches.
Please remember to use water as efficiently as possible at this time and avoid all non-essential water use (including outdoor irrigation/watering) and stay tuned for more details as they emerge.
(Posted March 1, 2023) Effective immediately, per the ending of California’s COVID State of Emergency Order, all future North Marin Water District Board meetings will be in-person. The first Board meeting in-person will at the District temporary office located at 100 Wood Hollow Dr., Suite 300 on March 7, 2023 at 6:00pm. Customers are welcome and encouraged to attend.
(Posted January 23, 2023) North Marin Water District will begin its annual water main flushing program starting late January 2023. 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. This is an annual practice that has been put on hold for the last couple of years due to drought. NMWD crews have developed specific routes and use isolation valves to maximize results using the least amount of water possible. Flushing is performed in the winter months when there is a sufficient water supply for the task.
(Posted January 10, 2023) Stafford Lake is currently full (as of January 9) and the spillway is flowing for the first time in 4 years. While this is great news for our local supply, we are still keeping a close eye on the water supply levels in Lake Sonoma in the Russian River watershed. Keep in mind we are still in a state-mandated “Stage 2” water conservation order and Emergency Conservation Ordinance No. 41 is still in effect. For more information on lake level, water production and weather, please visit our Weather and Production Page which is updated every morning at 7:15am.
(Posted December 2022) North Marin Water District is pleased to announce that it will be receiving Department of Water Resources funding through Prop 1, for the following projects and conservation activities:
- Advanced metering installation (including AMI and Flume Devices)
- Cash for Grass Turf Removal Rebate Program
- Weather Based Irrigation Controller Rebate Program
- System Component Analysis which is a deeper inspection and review into specific components or activities that may be contributing to non-revenue water (water loss) in the water system.
Funding for this project has been provided in part from the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 and through an agreement with the State Department of Water Resources.