Mercury

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin identified by the Federal Clean Water Act as impairing San Francisco Bay. EBMUD has developed a multi-faceted mercury program to address the following known sources of mercury within its wastewater service area.

Dental Facilities

EBMUD regulates the discharge of mercury from dental facilities.

Residential Households

Because mercury is highly toxic to humans and wildlife, it's important to reduce the likelihood of mercury spills. Find out how to properly dispose of mercury in thermometers, thermostats, and washing machine switches.

Medical Facilities

Some medical facilities may use mercury-containing medical devices such as blood pressure cuffs and thermometers. Hospitals in EBMUD's service area have phased out the use of these devices and replaced them with alternatives.

Schools/Educational Institutions

EBMUD partnered with the University of California Berkeley on the development and implementation of a campus-wide Mercury Reduction Program in 2002. The program was highly successful, resulting in the removal of more than 1,200 pounds of mercury waste. Subsequent to this effort, EBMUD developed the template below to encourage educational institutions and agencies to implement a similar program. For more information, contact Environmental Services at cleanbay@ebmud.com or 510-287-1651.