15-Year Water Supply Deal Inked By Sonoma, Marin

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has approved a renewed 15-year water supply agreement with the Marin Municipal Water District that will run through 2040.

The new agreement updates how Russian River water is delivered to Marin Water and includes a one-time $12.5 million payment from Marin Water to support regional water resiliency projects. It replaces all previous contracts between the two agencies.

Under the renewed terms approved Tuesday, Marin Water will continue receiving up to 14,300 acre-feet of water annually, with a take-or-pay minimum of 5,300 acre-feet each year.

The updated contract simplifies delivery rules, removes outdated provisions, and adds flexibility by allowing Marin Water to roll over undelivered minimum amounts into the following year if Sonoma Water cannot meet the full delivery, said the county board, which is acting as the Board of Directors for Sonoma Water.

"This agreement keeps that partnership strong, gives both counties more flexibility in dry years, and directs new investment into projects that make our regional supply more reliable," Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Sonoma Water Board of Directors, said in a statement.

Of the $12.5 million payment, $9 million will fund projects strengthening resiliency within the Russian River system, while $3.5 million will go toward improving Sonoma Water's ability to deliver winter water.

The deal also recognizes Marin Water's interest in studying a new pipeline connection from the North Marin Aqueduct to a Marin Water reservoir to store locally available winter water for future drought use.

Marin Water's board approved the agreement on Aug. 19.

Jed Smith, a Marin Water board member and representative on Sonoma Water's Water Advisory Committee, called the agreement "an important step forward for regional collaboration and long-term water reliability" for the 190,000 people served in central and southern Marin.


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