Phoenix Lake Drawdown Could Reduce San Anselmo Flood Risk

SAN ANSELMO, CA — Marin County and Marin Water are working to lower Phoenix Lake's water level to help reduce flooding along San Anselmo Creek during winter storms.

The agencies plan to create additional storage space for storm runoff, potentially limiting downstream creek levels during early-season storms, according to a county news release.

Officials cautioned that the effort could reduce flooding during some storms but would not eliminate the risk in San Anselmo or Ross.

The project involves pumping water from Phoenix Lake, a reservoir near Ross, into Marin Water's supply system. Crews were scheduled to begin pumping Oct. 26, with operations expected to continue into mid-November.

Marin Water will monitor weather and water quality to determine how much to lower the reservoir and when to stop pumping.

“Our responsibility is to provide safe, reliable drinking water, and that will always guide our operational decisions,” Marin Water General Manager Shaun Horne said in the release.

Residents and businesses should continue preparing for winter weather by reviewing emergency plans and taking steps to protect flood-prone properties.