Oakland, October 30, 2026
Economic impact report shows EBMUD generated $4.8 billion in East Bay economic activity
The East Bay Municipal Utility District today released its first Economic Impact Report, illustrating how the East Bay’s water and wastewater systems also serve as a major economic driver for the region.
In Fiscal Years 2023-2025, EBMUD’s daily operations, capital construction projects, and spending with local contractors and suppliers created $4.8 billion ($1.6 billion annually) in economic activity across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, according to the report, which was developed by Laisar Management Group. Every dollar EBMUD spent resulted in about $1.50 in total regional economic activity.
“For more than a century, EBMUD has provided essential services to protect public health and the environment,” said General Manager Clifford Chan. “This report highlights another way we contribute to our communities by supporting jobs, local businesses, and economic activity throughout the region. Behind these numbers are the people and businesses that benefit from our investments in reliable and resilient water and wastewater services.”
Billions invested in the East Bay
EBMUD is in its most capital-intensive period in its history. The utility’s 10-year Capital Improvement Program commits $5.6 billion to the water system and $1.2 billion to the wastewater system, a total of $6.8 billion.
Between 2023 and 2025, EBMUD supported an average of 6,300 jobs each year – roughly three times EBMUD's own workforce – generating about $754 million annually in wages, benefits, and other labor income.
Because EBMUD is a not-for-profit special district, every dollar the utility collects is reinvested into maintaining and improving its water and wastewater systems. EBMUD’s construction contracts, local purchases and employee paychecks, help support not only local businesses, but also local government, schools, fire protection districts, transportation infrastructure, public safety, and neighborhood services.
Since 1984, EBMUD’s Contract Equity Program has expanded opportunities for small, local, and diverse businesses to compete for and win EBMUD contracts. Of $792.6 million spent with more than 1,500 suppliers over the three years:
- $424.8 million went to businesses in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
- $244.4 million went to small businesses.
- $106.4 million went to minority- and women-owned firms.
“EBMUD delivers more than water. Our agency is an economic engine producing ripple effects that benefit jobs and our community,” said EBMUD Board President Luz Gómez. “Every dollar invested in our system yields $1.50 in economic activity. That impact is certainly more than a drop in the bucket.”
In addition to the economic benefits outlined in the report, the analysis notes that it does not capture key natural resource assets and economic drivers that add to EBMUD’s value to the community, including:
- 57,000 acres of protected watershed land.
- A 67 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2000 and a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030.
- A high-performing fish hatchery on the Mokelumne River with record-breaking Chinook salmon returns in partnership with California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- AA bond ratings on both its water and wastewater revenue bonds, among the strongest of any public utility in the country.
Resources
- Read the 2026 Economic Impact Report, a report summary and a digital flipbook at ebmud.com/economic-impact.
- EBMUD Contract Equity Program hosts small business virtual forums at 2:30 p.m. every first Wednesday of the month. Learn more and register.