Understanding Your Tap Water
Our tap water is among the best in the nation. We are proud of it and hope you are, too.
You might have specific questions about your tap water. We hope these subject specific fact sheets help answer those questions and direct you to further resources to find out even more.
Emerging Contaminant Monitoring
Unregulated microorganisms and synthetic or naturally-occurring chemicals that are not commonly monitored by water utilities are termed contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). More than 100,000 chemicals are registered in the US, and new chemicals and microorganisms continue to be identified. Some of these contaminants can be detected at extremely low levels in the environment by ever-improving laboratory methods. The health significance of these trace contaminants is typically unknown. We are proactively addressing CECs through participation in national research projects and conducting independent monitoring of our source and treated waters. To learn more, read the following technical memorandums:
- Proposed Approach for CECs in SFPUC's Drinking Water
- Evaluation, Prioritization, and Recommendations for Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the SFPUC Drinking Water System: 2022 Final Report
Fact Sheets
- Algal Toxins Fact Sheet - December 2022
- Chromium-6 Fact Sheet - February 2022
- Dirty or Discolored Water - September 2023
- Fluoridation Fact Sheet - April 2020
- Home Test Kits - February 2023
- Home Water Treatment Devices - July 2024
- Lead and Drinking Water - Schools and Licensed Child Care Centers - September 2023
- Lead and Drinking Water - SFPUC Programs - November 2021
- Lead and Drinking Water - Tips for Residents - February 2020
- Lead and Drinking Water - Tips for Schools - December 2019
- Legionella Fact Sheet - February 2024
- 軍團菌
- Legionella(Tagalog)
- Legionella(Spanish)
- Microplastics - February 2023
- Naegleria Fowleri - July 2020
- Nitrate and Drinking Water - August 2020
- PFAS Fact Sheet - February 2023
- Quinoline and Drinking Water - May 2020
- Taste and Odor Issues with Tap Water- July 2021
- Water Treatment Process - February 2023
- Wildfires and Drinking Water Quality - November 2020