The Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) is making a big move to modernize its water infrastructure. This is a topic that hits home for people all over Marin County, from the cozy neighborhoods of Larkspur to the busy streets of Novato and San Rafael.
This article takes a closer look at the MMWD’s choice to award a major contract to Kennedy Jenks Consultants. The contract covers the electrification of the Soulajule Reservoir pump station—a project that should boost water transfer reliability and efficiency across the county.
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A Crucial Upgrade for Marin’s Water Security
Water management has become a top priority for communities like Sausalito and Mill Valley. The MMWD’s push to upgrade its infrastructure is a welcome change.
The Soulajule Reservoir pump station is a key part of our water supply chain, and it’s about to get a serious technological update. This move shows the district’s forward-thinking attitude about keeping Marin’s water supply consistent and dependable.
Addressing the Diesel Dependence
Right now, the Soulajule Reservoir pump station relies on a portable diesel generator. The site sits tucked away in the hills near Lagunitas, making things tricky.
There’s not enough power from PG&E at the site, so the district has to rent a massive 1-megawatt diesel generator. This temporary fix brings big financial and logistical headaches.
During the 2021–22 fiscal year, the district spent a staggering $627,000 just on rental fees and diesel fuel. That doesn’t even count the many staff hours spent setting up, running, and monitoring the generator.
The Path to Electrification and Enhanced Efficiency
The contract amendment with Kennedy Jenks Consultants marks a big step toward a more sustainable and efficient water transfer system for Marin County. This isn’t just about swapping out old equipment—it’s about building flexibility and making sure water is always available when people need it.
A Smarter, More Reliable Water Flow
The electrification project aims to speed up and stabilize water transfers from Soulajule Reservoir to Nicasio Reservoir.
With this upgrade, the MMWD will be able to use Soulajule’s stored water more often and more effectively. The current setup, which dates back to 1979, uses a 30-inch pipeline that climbs a tough 3.5-mile hill and then runs another 2 miles to Nicasio Reservoir.
That stretch needs a lot of pumping power, and the diesel generator has turned into a costly bottleneck. Electrification should clear that up, making it easier to move water where it’s needed most—helping towns like Kentfield and Ross.
Rethinking Pump Technology for Modern Needs
Kennedy Jenks Consultants are not just electrifying the station—they’re also rethinking how the pumps work.
They started out in 2023, designing a new 2.5-mile pipeline and running an electrification study. During that process, they found a smarter solution: swap one of the 800-hp pumps for four smaller, energy-efficient 200-hp pumps.
These new pumps would run on the upgraded electrical service, offering up to about 6 million gallons per day in transfer capacity. It’s a clever redesign that makes the most of our resources and shows some real engineering savvy for Marin’s communities, from Fairfax to San Anselmo.
Overcoming Past Hurdles for Future Reliability
The journey to electrify the Soulajule Reservoir pump station hasn’t been easy. Recent decisions show a renewed focus on getting this crucial infrastructure project done.
Electrification work got paused for a while when the district considered raising the dam at Soulajule Reservoir—a plan that ran into strong local opposition and worries about relocating the pump station. That idea was eventually dropped.
Other issues like rising costs, environmental concerns, tricky soil conditions, and property rights complications also slowed down the proposed Soulajule-to-Nicasio pipeline. In the end, MMWD staff decided to shift over $1.9 million of the leftover consultant contract funds directly into the electrification design.
It’s a practical move that finally gives the project some real momentum, aiming to keep water flowing to places like Muir Beach and Olema.
Community Support for a Practical Solution
The renewed progress on the electrification project has sparked appreciation from local residents. People here really see the practical benefits of this upgrade.
Supporters know that improving the water infrastructure matters for protecting homes. It also helps preserve Marin’s ecosystems, which, let’s be honest, are pretty special.
Board member Ranjiv Khush said he welcomed the renewed progress. He’s not alone—this forward momentum on the Soulajule Reservoir pump station electrification shows that the MMWD genuinely cares about Marin’s long-term water needs.
Here is the source article for this story: MMWD begins design for Soulajule pump station project
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