Todd Engineers

Key Issues
Assessment of county-wide water supply and demend with multiple water purveyors Assurance of long-term water supply reliability using a portfolio of supplies plus conservation

Recent years have witnessed a linkage of land use planning and water supply planning never before experienced in California. Because of passage of Senate Bills (SB) 610 and 221 -- the “show me the water” bills -- and a series of legal cases, City and County planners, water supply agencies, and developers are working together increasingly to ensure that planned residential developments have adequate, reliable water supply. This linked planning is based on the realization that water supplies are often limited, sometimes uncertain, and typically subject to competing demands.

Marin County recently completed an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for its Countywide Plan Update, which includes various alternatives for residential development in unincorporated areas. Alternatives included the preferred plan, environmental preservation, economic vitality, housing, and transportation alternatives. The EIR took a comprehensive approach that evaluated the alternatives in a County- wide context of water supply and demand.

Marin Country Watersheds

Todd Engineers prepared the water supply sections of the EIR, providing a comprehensive description of County water supply conditions including local surface water, imported water, and groundwater resources. Analysis focused on water demand and supply in unincorporated areas now and into the future -- following SB 610 guidelines -- and addressed potential water-related impacts (direct, indirect, cumulative) for the various alternatives.

Services Provided
SB 610 Water Supply Assessment CEQA evaluation of water-related impacts of five alternatives Participation in public meetings An award-winning EIR

The EIR process included considerable public participation; Todd Engineers assisted the County with public meetings and provided responses to comments for the Final EIR.