Privacy Policy

North Marin Water District Website Privacy Policy

Purpose of Policy

This policy addresses: what personal information about visitors is collected on this North Marin Water District’s public website (“District Website”); how private information is held; how it will be used; and under what conditions this information may be shared or released to another party. The North Marin Water District (“District”) policies exist to ensure that the organization is transparent and that the public has a right to access appropriate data/information possessed by the District. At the same time, there are exceptions to the disclosure of data/information provided by District policies, and State and Federal laws. These exceptions include the privacy of individuals. Information collected on this District Website becomes public record and may be subject to inspection and copying by the public, unless an exception in law exists.

During your visit to the District Website, information that is not readily identifiable to an individual may be automatically collected and stored. The following sections of our Web Privacy Policy explain these uses:

  • Information That May Be Collected and How It May Be Used
  • Personal Information and Choice
  • Public Disclosure
  • Access to and Correction of Personal Information
  • Cookies 
  • Security
  • Disclaimer
  • Feedback

Information That May Be Collected & How It May Be Used

If you do nothing during your visit to the District Website but browse or download information, we may automatically collect and store the following information about your visit: 

The Internet Protocol (IP) address and domain name used, but not the email address. The IP address is a numerical identifier assigned either to your Internet Service Provider or directly to your computer. We use the IP address to direct Internet traffic to you;

  • The type of browser you used;
  • The date and time you visited this site;
  • The City, Region, State, Country of the computer network used to access the District Website;
  • The Search engine used to find the District Website;
  • Visit duration;
  • The web pages or services you accessed at this site; and
  • The website visited prior to visiting and after leaving the District Website.

The information we collect or store is used to improve the content of our web services and to help us understand how people are using our services. The District Website’s logs do not identify anyone personally.

If during your visit to the District Website you participate in a survey, complete a form, or send an email, the following additional information will be collected:

  • email correspondence: The email address and contents of the email;
  • Forms: The content you complete and submit, which may include your email address;  
  • Surveys: Any information you volunteered in response to a survey.

The information collected may not be limited to text characters and may include audio, video, and graphic information formats you send us. The information is retained in accordance with the District’s policies. North Marin Water District may use your email to respond to your message, to assist in obtaining information you have requested, to address issues you identify, to further improve the District Website, or to forward the email to another agency for appropriate action. Survey information will be used for the purpose designated.

Online Biller and Watersmart 

North Marin Water District uses two third party software systems that may be accessed via this website. These systems are provided by third parties, and have separate Privacy Policies:

  • OnlineBiller.com provides a system that allows you to manage your own payment account. Customers can choose to receive statements by e-mail, make online payments, sign up for recurring payments, or update their payment information. The Privacy Policy for OnlineBiller.com is included in the terms of service here: https://www.onlinebiller.com/nmwd/tos.html
  • WaterSmart is a water usage analytics platform that allows you to check your daily water usage and get tips for saving water. The Privacy Policy for WaterSmart is included on the portal at https://nmwd.watersmart.com/index.php/Simple/Privacy

Personal Information and Choice

“Personal information” is information about an individual that is readily identifiable to that specific individual. Personal information includes personal identifiers such as an individual’s name, address, and phone number. A domain name or IP address is not considered personal information.

We will not collect personal information about you unless you voluntarily participate in an activity that asks for information (i.e. sending an email or participating in a survey). If you choose not to participate in these activities, your choice will in no way affect your ability to use any other feature of the District Website.

If you choose to provide the District with personal information, such as sending an email to a District employee or by filling out and submitting an online form located on the District’s District Website, the District will treat such emails and submitted online forms the same way it treats letters to a Board member or to a District department.

Public Disclosure

We strive to protect personally identifiable information by collecting only information necessary to deliver our services. All information that may be collected at this site becomes public record that may be subject to inspection and copying by the public, unless an exemption in law exists. For instance, if personal information is requested or volunteered, District rules and regulations or the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 may protect it from disclosure.

In the event of a conflict between this Privacy Policy and any applicable law governing the disclosure or protection of information, the governing law will dictate the action to be taken by the District.

Access to and Correction of Personal Information

You can submit a written request to review any personal information we collect about you. You may recommend changes to your personal information you believe is in error by submitting a written request that credibly shows the error. If you believe that your personal information is being used for a purpose other than what was intended when submitted, you may contact us. In all cases, we will take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making corrections.

Cookies

Presently, the District uses session cookies on some of its web applications. Primarily, this is to help us collect analytical information about the District Website.

What Is A Cookie?
A cookie is a small data file which may include an anonymous unique identifier that is sent to your browser from a website’s computers and may either be used only during your session (a “session” cookie) or may be stored on your computer’s hard drive (a “persistent” cookie). Cookies can contain data about user movement during the visit to the website. If your browser software is set to allow cookies, a website can send its own cookie to you.

Why Are Cookies Used On Websites?
Cookies are a mechanism for maintaining continuity during a user’s visit to a website. They allow data to be maintained for users’ benefit as they navigate a site. This is referred to as “session” or “management” cookie. These cookies go away when you terminate your visit to the website as they are maintained only in your browser’s active memory during your session.
Cookies may also be stored on your computer so that you can be recognized by a website on subsequent visits. They are read by the website that set them whenever you re-visit the website. They are often used on websites that require you to login so that you can avoid having to enter all of your login information every visit. They may store information on your unique identifier and the areas of the website you have visited before. These cookies are stored on your computer’s hard drive after you have left your website visit and consequently are often referred to as “persistent” cookies.

Choices About Cookies
You can configure your browser to accept all cookies, reject all cookies, or notify you when a cookie is set. (Each browser is different, so check the “Help” menu of your browser to learn how to change your cookie preferences.)

Security

The District has taken several steps to safeguard the integrity of its telecommunications and computing infrastructure. Security measures have been integrated into the design, implementation and day-to-day practices of the entire operating environment as part of its continuing commitment to risk management. Nevertheless, in all fairness the District does not guarantee the absolute security of information it maintains. 

Disclaimer

North Marin Water District has links to other websites. These may include links to websites operated by other government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private businesses. When you click a link to visit another site, you are no longer on the District Website and this Privacy Policy will not apply. When you link to another website, you are subject to the privacy policy of that new site.

California Consumer Privacy Act

If you are a California resident and would like to exercise your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, please contact us.

Feedback

To offer comments about the District Website, or to comment about the information presented in this Privacy Policy, email the District’s webmaster at: info@nmwd.com. Please refer to this Privacy Policy periodically since the District may choose to amend the information privacy policy without notice.

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