Marin Municipal Water District

MMWD Customers Urged to Conserve Water and by Using New Water-Saving Gardening Program and Other Programs

While some water agencies in the Bay Area have been forced to impose mandatory rationing this summer, Marin water users will avoid it – at least this year.  “But now is not the time to get complacent,” warned Marin Municipal Water District General Manager Paul Helliker. “We need to conserve water more than ever.”

Reversing a stormy and wet January and February, March through May produced the driest spring on record, beating low rainfall records dating back to 1879. Less than an inch of water fell on the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed this spring, compared with an average of close to 12 inches. 

While avoiding mandatory rationing in 2008 because Marin reservoirs are at near normal levels, MMWD is pushing a more sustainable path. “We need to move toward a permanent mindset of water conservation,” said MMWD Board Chairman Larry Russell.

With an early start to the summer season, MMWD is urging residents to become water aware and take action, adding that MMWD is taking a lead in both, including rebates of up to $350 on irrigation equipment as well as offering other incentives. 

Noting that half the water consumed during the summer months is used for irrigation, Helliker said that “from the plants you choose, to your sprinkler’s timer, your everyday choices will impact our water supply.”

Water Conservation Programs and Incentives

One of MMWD’s new programs for 2008 is an innovative partnership with Marin Master Gardeners, a program of the University of California Cooperative Extension. Called "Bay-Friendly Residential Garden Walks," the program offers homeowners and renters a free, one-hour site visit by two UC-certified Master Gardeners who assess the landscaping, including stops at the water meter, valve box, and irrigation system timer. The site assessment also includes testing all irrigation components and preparing a list of recommendations for homeowners to use to fix outstanding issues. If irrigation systems are upgraded, MMWD offers rebates up to $350.

Other MMWD conservation programs include:

Conservation Assistance Program (CAP)

Similar to the Master Gardener assessments, MMWD will send a water conservation specialist to customer homes and businesses for a free water-use efficiency survey that covers both indoor and outdoor water use.

Large Landscape Water Use Surveys

This is a free, comprehensive review and evaluation of irrigation equipment and practices for parks, golf courses, schools, Homeowners’ associations, and other common area landscapes.

Weekly Watering Schedule

Based on real-time weather conditions, the weekly watering schedule is updated every Friday on MMWD’s website and states how much water plants need and how often for the three different climate zones in Marin. A weekly email reminder is available.

Conservation Appliance and Equipment Rebates

High-efficiency toilet rebates up to $250

Water- and energy-efficient clothes washer rebates of $90 - $125 (in addition to PG&E rebates: www.waterenergysavings.com)
“Bay-Friendly” landscape rebates up to $350 (residential) or $650 (commercial) or $3,500 (dedicated irrigation accounts)

High-efficiency urinal rebates of $200 - $400

Commercial dishwasher rebates 

To take advantage of MMWD’s rebates and water conservation assessment programs, visit the MMWD website at www.marinwater.org or call the MMWD Water Conservation Department at 415/945-1520.

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