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Pulgas Water Temple

Image of the Pulgas Water Temple. The temple stands behind a bright blue pool of water lined by tall cypress trees.

About the Temple

San Francisco built Pulgas Water Temple as a monument to the engineering marvel that brought Hetch Hetchy water more than 160 miles across California from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Bay Area. The Hetch Hetchy Project took 24 years to build through the Great Depression at a cost of $102 million.

On October 28, 1934, the roar of Hetch Hetchy mountain water greeted everyone gathered at Pulgas Water Temple to celebrate its arrival. With vivid memories of the fire that had raged unchecked after the Great Earthquake of 1906, the city rejoiced in its new secure, plentiful supply of high quality drinking water. The frieze above the columns expresses the city’s joyful relief:

“I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”

Pulgas Water Temple was designed in the Beaux Arts style by William Merchant, a San Francisco architect trained by Bernard Maybeck. Merchant’s design featured fluted columns and Corinthian capitals to reflect the architecture of ancient Greeks and Romans, whose engineering methods were used to build the new water system. Artist and master stone carver Albert Bernasconi brought Merchant’s drawings to life.

Hours

  • Monday through Friday: The Temple grounds and parking lot are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sunday, and federally observed holidays: The parking lot is closed. Hikers and bikers may access the grounds through the pedestrian gate 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please note, the grounds are closed to the public during Saturday wedding ceremonies.

How to Get There

The Pulgas Water Temple is located just north of Filoli on Canada Road. Hikers and bikers can take the Crystal Springs Regional Trail.

Driving Directions: Take Interstate 280 to the Edgewood Road exit. Proceed west on Edgewood Road to Cañada Road, then north on Cañada Road approximately two miles to the temple.

Amenities 

  • Parking: Parking is free and limited. Please obey no parking signs on Canada Road and do not block entrance gate.

  • Restrooms: Portable restrooms are available. There are no handwashing stations.

  • Drinking Water: There is a water fountain located in near the parking lot as you enter the grounds.

  • Picnicking: There are no picnic tables or benches on the grounds. Please pack out any trash.

  • Learning: Explore interpretive panels as you stroll the grounds to learn more about the Regional Water System and Peninsula Watershed.

Special Events

The Temple grounds are available for weddings ceremonies on Saturdays, April through October.  Please contact us at gng@sfwater.org or 650-652-3209 for more information.