This project includes the installation of approximately 4,350 linear feet of 10-, 8-, 6-, and 4-inch potable water pipe with valves, fittings, laterals, and associated infrastructure in the Town of Fairfax.
Part of the District’s two-year Capital Improvement Program budget, the Bolinas Road Pipeline Replacement Project will replace aging water infrastructure that is more than 100 years old. Marin Water is coordinating with the Town of Fairfax to reduce community impacts associated with the upcoming construction, where possible.
Construction update (June 2026): Construction activities remain paused
Construction activities associated with the Bolinas Road Pipeline Replacement Project continue to be on hold due to unforeseen circumstances. A revised schedule and additional project updates will be posted to this webpage as soon as more information becomes available.
What to expect once construction begins along Bolinas Road:
- Work will occur in sections and gradually progress north toward the downtown corridor. Downtown corridor work is expected to begin late July/early August.
- Please be aware of heavy equipment and construction personnel on the roadway, follow traffic control signs, and reduce your speed.
- Construction will occur weekdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Setup/cleanup may occur outside this timeframe.
- Parking restrictions are anticipated in order to maintain traffic flow; parking will be available after 5 p.m. each evening.
- Planned water service disruptions taking place downtown will be scheduled from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. to minimize impacts to restaurants and other nighttime businesses. Marin Water will notify customers of planned service interruptions 24-48 hours in advance.
Contact Information
- During business hours: Contact Marin Water Construction Management Team, 415-945-1560
- After-hour water system emergencies: Call the 24/7 Emergency Hotline, 415-945-1500
If you experience a construction-related issue, please contact Marin Water so our team can investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Project Coordination
Is Marin Water coordinating this project with the Town of Fairfax?
Marin Water has been coordinating with the Town of Fairfax for this project since fall of 2025 to align on the Town’s permitting requirements, construction timing and project conditions. Coordination will continue throughout the construction phase.
How is Marin Water supporting outreach to downtown businesses during construction?
In addition to mailing advance notices to businesses in the project area, Marin Water is partnering with the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce to help keep the downtown business community informed throughout construction using the Chamber’s communication platforms. Signage will also be posted in the downtown area to communicate construction information to the general public.
Has Marin Water coordinated this project with other utilities?
Yes. Marin Water coordinated with the following utilities and agencies: Town of Fairfax Public Works Department, AT&T, PG&E, Ross Valley Sanitary District, and Comcast. To date, none of the utilities have indicated a desire to coordinate replacement of their infrastructure with the Marin Water project.
Has the project been coordinated with Ross Valley Fire?
Yes. Marin Water worked with Ross Valley Fire regarding hydrants and fire lines within the project area. The project will increase available fire flow capacity at hydrants by approximately 20%.
Construction Schedule
Can businesses remain open during construction?
Yes. Businesses may remain open during construction activities. Daily work will conclude by 5 p.m., and any planned water service interruptions affecting businesses will occur overnight between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to minimize daytime impacts.
Will there be construction at night or on weekends?
No work is planned on weekends. Some limited nighttime work may occur in the downtown area so that restaurants and other businesses can maintain water service until 10 p.m. Businesses will receive advance notice if nighttime work is scheduled.
When will a more detailed schedule be available?
A more detailed schedule will be updated online throughout the project, as information is available.
Water Service Interruptions
How many times will water service be interrupted?
Most customers will experience 2 temporary service interruptions during construction. For residential customers, interruptions typically occur during normal construction hours (M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Customers will receive 24-48 hours of advance notice via a door hanger.
How will water interruptions affect businesses in the downtown corridor?
Service interruptions to businesses in the downtown corridor will occur overnight (10 p.m.-6 a.m.) to minimize impacts to daytime operations. Night interruptions will typically occur Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings and will typically be limited to 2 occurrences. Downtown businesses will also receive 24-48 hours of advance notice via a door hanger or through direct onsite contact.
Construction Logistics
Where will construction equipment be stored?
Equipment will be stored in a staging area approved by the Town of Fairfax and the contractor.
How will fire protection be maintained during water shutdowns?
Strict fire preparedness procedures are required during construction. Pipeline tie-ins or water service shutdowns may be cancelled on Red Flag days based on direction from the Marin County Fire Department.
Will emergency access be maintained?
Work and any necessary road closures will be coordinated with police, fire and emergency services, and emergency access will be maintained at all times.
Community Events
Will construction affect the Fairfax Festival?
Construction is not planned to occur on weekends. Additionally, construction activities will be suspended during weekday festival setup (June 11-12).
Will construction affect the Wednesday Farmers Market?
Construction will pause during Farmers Market hours, including for set-up and breakdown.
Investing in your water system
This project replaces aging infrastructure as part of the District’s Capital Improvement Program. The existing water pipe in this area is more than 100 years old, and is leak prone. It will be replaced with reliable, seismically resilient pipe, ensuring water quality and reliability now and in the future.
Funding Sources
| Capital Maintenance Fund | Other Funding Sources* | Total |
| $2,300,000 | n/a | $2,300,000 |