PureWaterSF
In 2018 – 2019 the SFPUC piloted a project in our own headquarters to collect, treat, and serve purified water. We are looking into possibly expanding this idea on a larger level to collect wastewater from our wastewater treatment plants and treat it with a multi-stage, multi-barrier advanced treatment process that meets drinking water standards. The treated water would then be blended at one or more of San Francisco's drinking water reservoirs. This treatment and distribution process is referred to as treated water augmentation, and State regulations took effect in 2024.
We completed a feasibility study to explore the size and scope of purified water opportunities, and to develop a plan for next steps.
San Francisco Purified Water Opportunities Study May 2022
What is purified water?
The earth has the same amount of water now that it did when it was formed. All water on earth has been used over and over again. Purifying and recycling water simply speeds up that natural process. Recycled water generally refers to municipal wastewater that has been cleaned and meets requirements for industrial and irrigation use. Purified water is drinking water that comes from highly treated recycled water that has gone through additional advanced treatment and disinfection to meet and even surpass drinking water quality standards.
To learn more, visit our purified water page.
If you have any questions about the project, please email purewater@sfwater.org.
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Why do we need purified water?
Our region’s water supply is vulnerable to climate change, drought, and increasingly strict environmental regulations. It has become even more important to provide a local, reliable, sustainable, and drought-resistant water source for the health and economic vitality of our region.
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Is purified water safe?
Purified water is safe, clean drinking water. The State of California regulates all drinking water within the state, including purified water. These regulations make sure that drinking water is safe and meets state and federal water quality standards. California’s regulations for purified water are the strictest in the world. The regulations dictate how purified water is treated, distributed, and operated. This standard was developed with the support of expert panels, years of research studies, and input from utilities. Purified water has been used in other parts of the United States and around the world for decades. In that time, there have been no adverse health effects from its use. Testing has shown that purified water has a higher level of water quality than treated groundwater or surface water. In fact, the purified water advanced treatment process produces water that is cleaner than most bottled water.
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Will my water taste different?
No, it is anticipated that there would be no taste difference at all. That is because the finishing treatment for purified water matches the taste profile of the existing supply, and it would also be blended with existing sources before reaching homes and businesses.