Summer is here and, as most everyone knows, we are in a severe and historic drought. Rainfall levels for the last 18 months have been the lowest on record in more than 140 years.
The Marin Municipal Water District board of directors called for voluntary water conservation, then adopted mandatory water-use restrictions months ago, well before the state and most other water agencies took action. We are fortunate to live in a community that is active, engaged and willing to take action to ensure that we weather this crisis with sufficient water to meet everyone’s basic needs.
We know these are complex issues. People have questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
Is the agency better prepared than during the severe 1970s drought?
Unquestionably, yes. The district took several actions to increase water supply that has put us on much better footing today. That includes raising the dam at Kent Lake, doubling capacity; adding the Soulajule reservoir; partnering with Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District to provide recycled water for nonpotable uses and building a pipeline to Sonoma County’s Russian River water system, which now provides about 25% of our supply. Conservation programs and incentives were also ramped up, saving thousands of acre-feet of water the past few decades.
What is the district doing to help customers save water right now?
The district substantially increased conservation incentives and programs to help customers save water. This list includes:
• Free use analysis to create a plan for homes and businesses
• Rebates to convert lawns to low-water use landscaping
• Rebates for graywater systems
• Rebates for “smart” irrigation controllers
• Rebates for real-time Flume data devices to help customers detect leaks and find ways to save water
• A “Mulch Madness” program, that includes free material, delivery, installation and capping of sprinkler systems
• Free leak detection tablets
• High-efficiency washing machine rebates
• Free water-efficient hose nozzles, showerheads and faucet aerators delivered to homes and businesses
Can we “conserve our way out of” this or any drought?
Marin County businesses and residents use an average of about 124 gallons of water per person per day. About 50% of that is outdoor use. Significantly reducing outdoor water use is our best and most affordable opportunity to preserve our water supply.
The district is reviewing a range of supplemental water supply options, including options with higher price points and longer timeframes — every option is being carefully considered.
Will the agency put a pipeline across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge or build a desalination plant?
In addition to our primary focus on conservation, the district is laying the groundwork to explore longer-term measures to obtain additional supply, if the drought continues into the winter.
The district is considering the bridge pipeline among several options. Studies are underway to determine where that water supply comes from, including, for example, potential supplies from agricultural users.
Desalination is another long-term supplemental supply option. The district will continue to explore it if the drought continues.
Both options are costly, complex and uncertain in terms of feasibility.
Why doesn’t the agency dredge reservoirs to create more water storage?
Dredging reservoirs to create more room for storage sounds simple, but it is not. It is costly, complex and time-consuming, with no guarantee of success. Dredging requires extensive engineering studies to preserve the structural integrity of the reservoirs.
Removal and disposal of dredged material is expensive. An earlier study showed reservoirs have very little silt due to the pristine nature of Marin’s watershed. The district’s engineers do not see dredging as an option for providing additional supply.
Will we run out of water?
No. We are managing our supply conservatively to ensure that we have sufficient water. The Marin Municipal Water District is looking at additional incentives, disincentives and options to secure additional emergency water supplies, if necessary.
Thanks to your conservation efforts, we are about halfway to reaching our collective goal of 40% reduction in water use. We’re here to help. Reach us at Conservation@MarinWater.org, or by calling 415-945-1400, or visit our website at MarinWater.org/Conserve to learn more.
Cynthia Koehler is president of the Marin Municipal Water District board of directors.
