Marin Municipal Water District

Federal regulations require us to include specific information in this report. While this general information may not all apply specifically to MMWD's water supply, details about our local water quality can be found in the tables on the reverse side.

All tap water, including bottled water, naturally contains small amounts of some substances. The presence of these substances does not necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, you can contact the USEPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Municipal water can come from various sources including rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through underground layers, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials. Water can also pick up substances resulting from animal or human activities.

Source water may contain various contaminants including:

• Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals, which can occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial wastewater, oil/gas production, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that can occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining activities

To ensure tap water safety, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. State Board regulations also set limits for bottled water contaminants to provide similar public health protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my water usage so high? Your meter reading may be incorrect or difficult to read. You might also have an undetected leak in a toilet or faucet. Contact our office and we'll help resolve the issue.
2. What should I do about low water pressure? First check your meter and surrounding area for potential leaks. Then call our office to report the low pressure in your location.
3. Why does my water appear discolored? Recent repairs may have allowed air to enter the line, causing a milky appearance. This typically clears on its own.
4. What chemicals are added to our water? We only add chemicals approved by the National Safety Foundation specifically for municipal water treatment purposes.
5. My water tastes and smells unusual. Is it safe? All public water systems must maintain minimum disinfectant levels by state law. Our systems using chloramine must maintain 0.5 mg/L levels, while those using chlorine must maintain 0.2 mg/L. We test disinfectant levels daily to ensure safety.
6. Why do particles come out when I run hot water? Your water heater likely needs flushing. CAUTION: Manufacturers typically recommend hiring a professional. If you attempt this yourself, read the manual carefully to avoid injury or damage.
7. Why do I have a balance due when I sent payment? We may have received your payment after the due date or perhaps not at all. Contact our office for assistance resolving this issue.
8. Why is my bill marked "Estimated"? When meters are inaccessible, we estimate based on your average usage (typically over 6 months). Reasons include debris blocking the meter, weather conditions, broken meters, or system errors. Any estimation discrepancies will be corrected in your next reading.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to provide reliable water service to our community.