2022

Most of EBMUD’s drinking water makes an incredible journey to arrive at our taps. As drought and climate change generate renewed interest in where our water comes from, some people are taking extraordinary steps to seek the source.

Stroll along the Oakland Estuary, pedal the waterfront path linking Emeryville and Richmond, or ramble at the Albany Bulb. San Francisco Bay’s eastern shore beckons, its health improved by two landmark developments reaching notable anniversaries.

Droughts, wildfires and earthquakes – not to mention the occasional power outage, main break or construction project – can disrupt our lives. EBMUD is dedicated to providing safe and reliable water and wastewater services. That means we take important steps to be ready for emergencies, and we encourage you to be prepared too.

A project to diversify EBMUD’s water supply while protecting a critically over-drafted groundwater basin is taking root in California’s Central Valley. A groundwater bank beneath rich farmland marks our latest investment in a sustainable water future, and it’s about to yield its first withdrawal.

Summer is here, and hot weather means more water use. But in this deepening drought, every gallon counts. About 28 percent of residential water is used outdoors, so that’s the place to look for savings. Follow EBMUD’s lead and embrace drought-tolerant landscaping and the wise use of technology. We offer rebates to replace thirsty turf with watersmart plants, and to install efficient drip irrigation systems and smart controllers to keep your plants healthy without water waste. We offer coupons…

As EBMUD marks its 99th birthday, we continue to invest in the safe and reliable water and wastewater services the East Bay depends on every day. We are upgrading our water treatment plants so they can purify water from alternative sources in the face of climate change. We’re rehabilitating aging pipelines to minimize leaks and maximize reliability. We’re replacing neighborhood storage tanks to keep treated water fresher longer. And we’re investing more in recycled water programs.

It seems like drought is now the rule rather than the exception in California. As we move into another parched summer, you may be able to guess our request: Make every drop count.

From waterside walks to ridgetop hikes, freshwater fishing to horseback rides, kayaking and boating to camping and stargazing, EBMUD lands and reservoirs provide abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation for millions of annual visitors.

Managing a natural resource as precious as water for 1.4 million customers in an era of climate change is more complex and critical than ever. At EBMUD, we’re adapting to meet this challenge – today and into the future.

When Covid-19 emerged, no one could have predicted the countless ways our world would change or how long we’d face this challenge. Two years into the pandemic, few things are as they were before. But at EBMUD, we’ve shown up every day to keep the water running and treat wastewater before releasing it to San Francisco Bay. You’ve counted on us, and our commitment to you remains as steadfast as ever.

Recent rainfall and the prospect of more is cause for celebration. But we have a long way to go to refill depleted reservoirs. Our drought outlook greatly depends on how much rain and snow we receive in the next few months, and weather models indicate things could go either way.

Winter storms deliver the snow and rain we desperately need. But they also trigger surges in wastewater. EBMUD manages and treats these flows to protect public health and the environment, in particular San Francisco Bay.