San Anselmo and Ross Flood Preparedness: Phoenix Lake Pumping Expected to Begin October 26

SAN ANSELMO / ROSS — October 26, 2026. Marin County and Marin Water are beginning a new effort to reduce winter flood risk by lowering the water level at Phoenix Lake ahead of major storms. Water managers said pumping was being prepared for Monday, October 26, with work potentially continuing through mid-November depending on conditions.

More room to capture rainwater

The plan aims to create space in the reservoir to hold runoff during early winter storms, potentially moderating downstream creek levels that affect San Anselmo and Ross. Marin Water is modifying its pumps and will decide how much water can safely be released while protecting drinking-water quality and supply for its customers.

The two agencies are coordinating flood-preparedness and water-management responsibilities. The action could help in certain storms, but does not remove the risk of flooding. The county explicitly cautions property owners against assuming the lake project is a substitute for emergency plans, drainage preparation or monitoring flood warnings.

Questions residents should watch

Because the work is an operational plan, a scheduled October 26 start does not guarantee pumps are running continuously or that lake levels will reach a fixed target. Weather forecasts, water quality and operational conditions will govern the work. Residents can check Marin Water and Marin County for updates, especially before periods of heavy rain.

Primary source: Marin County and Marin Water, October 22, 2026. This article is filed to San Anselmo News as a local impact story, with a link appropriate for Ross and the wider county.

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