Board supports proposed Marin‑Sonoma water supply agreement, sends recommendation to City Council

Deputy Director Peter Martin presented a proposed 15‑year restatement and renewal of the water supply agreement between Marin Municipal Water District (Marin Water) and Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water). The proposal restates existing volume entitlements (maximum contract volume 14,300 acre‑feet per year and a 5,300 acre‑foot take‑or‑pay amount) and preserves pricing terms, premiums and certain contributions in place under prior agreements.

Martin described changes in the proposed agreement: elimination of a “ramp up/ramp down” cap based on prior year usage (i.e., the prior cap would be removed), increased monthly delivery caps for November–April subject to availability and transmission capacity, a rollover provision allowing Marin to roll unused take‑or‑pay volume into a subsequent year when Sonoma Water cannot deliver for reasons outside Marin’s control, and language supporting Marin Water’s potential future participation in a restructured agreement for water supplies. The agreement also includes a lump‑sum payment of $12.5 million from Marin Water, including $9 million for regional resiliency projects in the Russian River watershed and $3.5 million for any capacity improvements that may benefit Marin Water.

Martin said the proposed contract does not change existing allotments, curtailment procedures or Santa Rosa Water’s rights under the 2006 restructured agreement; he said Santa Rosa Water would not face negative fiscal impacts from the agreement and that lump‑sum payments could reduce future transmission costs for contractors. Santa Rosa Water’s technical advisory committee unanimously recommended approval of the proposed contract.

Board Member Wright moved, and Board Member Mullen seconded, a motion that the Board support the proposed Marin‑Sonoma agreement and recommend that City Council provide direction to its Water Advisory Committee (WAC) representative. The motion passed by roll call with 6 votes in favor, none opposed, and one member absent.

Board members asked questions about whether Sonoma Water’s support for Marin’s participation in a future restructured agreement would bind Santa Rosa; staff clarified it would not obligate the city. Members also discussed payment structures, the higher aqueduct rate Marin pays and operational delivery constraints in peak demand periods. Staff said future decisions on Marin’s status in a restructured agreement would require separate consideration and approval by restructured agreement signatories.