FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2025
From First Drop to Lasting Legacy: Pulgas Water Temple Honored as Water Landmark
The SFPUC-managed Pulgas Water Temple stands as a tribute to the safe, reliable drinking water that transformed the Bay Area
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s Pulgas Water Temple, a celebrated monument to San Francisco’s regional water system, will be honored on May 8, 2025, with the most prestigious designation for historic water infrastructure in North America, joining the ranks of historic water heritage sites such as the Hoover Dam and the Chicago Water Tower.
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is honoring the temple with the Water Landmarks Award, which recognizes sites over 50 years old that have played a direct and significant role in water supply, treatment, distribution or technological development. Completed in 1938, the temple marks the point where water from Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in the Sierra Nevada first reached the Peninsula, flowing into Crystal Springs Reservoir. It fulfilled the long-held dream of providing San Francisco with a safe, reliable water supply after decades of scarcity and inadequate sources.
“Bringing water from the Sierra Nevada took vision, determination, and public investment,” said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. “The Pulgas Water Temple honors the regional water system that continues to support San Francisco and the Bay Area today — from public health to fire protection to our growing neighborhoods. We’re proud to see this important landmark recognized and grateful to the SFPUC and the American Water Works Association for helping share the Temple’s story.”
“When Hetch Hetchy water arrived in the Bay Area for the first time, public officials and community members recognized it as a turning point, especially after the 1906 earthquake, when much of San Francisco burned to the ground because there was not enough water to fight the fires,” said Dennis Herrera, General Manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. “Their vision led to one of the greatest engineering achievements of its time, bringing a dependable supply of clean water to the Bay Area and helping drive the growth of our communities for generations. The Pulgas Water Temple stands as a tribute to that accomplishment, and we are honored that the AWWA has recognized it with a Water Landmarks Award, which celebrates historic water sites across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.”
Managed by the SFPUC, the Pulgas Water Temple serves as a key landmark in its regional water network. For nearly a century, it has welcomed visitors as a gathering place, wedding venue, and filming location for movies and commercials. Today, it remains a popular destination and consistently ranks as one of the SFPUC’s top five most viewed pages on its website, highlighting its strong connection to the community.
In 1934, 20,000 people gathered at the Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir, including federal, state, and local officials to celebrate the arrival of the first Hetch Hetchy waters. A national radio broadcast carried the event across the country. Crews constructed a temporary temple for the occasion. The permanent Pulgas Water Temple was completed in 1938 to honor this historic achievement.
“In the more than 55 years we have presented the Water Landmarks Award, the AWWA has recognized many remarkable achievements, from dams to water towers to historic waterworks, but never anything like the Pulgas Water Temple,” said Sue Mosburg, Executive Director of the AWWA’s California-Nevada Section. “This historic and beloved monument stands out for its direct and lasting connection to water supply, and for more than 85 years, this temple has symbolized the importance of delivering safe, reliable drinking water to Bay Area communities. AWWA is proud to recognize the Pulgas Water Temple among North America’s historic water landmarks and to help share its significance with generations to come.”
Designed by San Francisco architect William Merchant, the Pulgas Water Temple is a circular monument of fluted columns crowned with ornate Corinthian capitals, inspired by the classical Greco-Roman architectural style. A long reflecting pool mirrors the columns and archways, while open lawns and rows of cypress trees frame the site. The SFPUC’s commitment to protecting water resources is demonstrated through the site’s native landscaping, with more than 90% consisting of drought-resistance species, and low-flow irrigation system that conserves water year-round.
Pulgas is one of only two water temples in the United States, both managed by the SFPUC. The other, the Sunol Water Temple in Alameda County, marks the meeting of three historic water sources. Together, these rare monuments honor the engineering achievements that secured a safe, reliable drinking water supply for the Bay Area and helped drive its growth across generations.
The Pulgas Water Temple grounds are open to visitors Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The grounds remain accessible to pedestrians, hikers, cyclists, and equestrians during the same hours on weekends and federally observed holidays. The parking lot is open on weekdays but closed to vehicles on weekends and holidays.
About the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is a department of the City and County of San Francisco. It delivers drinking water to 2.7 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area, collects and treats wastewater for the City and County of San Francisco, and meets more than 75% of the electricity demand in San Francisco. The SFPUC’s mission is to provide customers with high quality, efficient and reliable water, power, and sewer services in a manner that values environmental and community interests, and sustains the resources entrusted to the agency's care. Learn more at sfpuc.gov.
About the American Water Works Association
Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life. Learn more at awwa.org.