Control of our water-distribution system is by computer, enabling our operators to coordinate the operation of more than 200 district facilities and direct the flow of water through our pipelines. With three treatment plants for drinking water and one treatment plant for recycled water, we can process up to 61 million gallons per day. Our pipeline system pumping units can deliver up to 38,000 gallons per minute. Water may be piped directly to you or into a tank until needed. Because of Marin's hilly terrain, about 90 percent of the water must be pumped at least once before it reaches the tap.
Some water is pumped up to six times.
The pipes are made of various materials, depending on when and where they were installed. In recent years, we've extended pipeline life by using techniques to control corrosion. These will give newer pipelines a life span of more than 100 years. Through our capital improvement program we replace pipeline as needed, with priority based mostly on facility condition. We also install larger mains through the fire flow program , a separately funded capital program developed cooperatively with local fire chiefs to improve Marin's fire-fighting capacity.