Water quality

Hayward purchases its water from SFPUC - the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Hayward's Utilities Department works closlely with SFPUC to maintain the highest standards of quality, reliability, safety, and efficiency.

If you have concerns about your tap water, such as taste, odor, or appearance, or if you have a water quality emergency, please contact the City of Hayward Water Distribution Division at (510) 881-7933.

O'Shaughnessy Dam
O'Shaughnessy Dam in Yosemite National Park

Water Supply
The City of Hayward purchases all of its water from SFPUC. About 85% of water comes from the Hetch Hetchy watershed, an area located in Yosemite National Park. The remaining 15% is from the Alameda watershed, located in the East Bay and stored in the Calaveras and San Antonio Reservoirs. Learn more about Hayward’s Water Supply.

Water Quality Reports
Each year, the City of Hayward and the SFPUC report the results of water quality monitoring to confirm that the quality of water delivered to Hayward customers met all state and federal guidelines.

If you would like more information about Hetch Hetchy water or water quality monitoring, please contact the SFPUC Water Quality Bureau at (877) 737-8297 or visit its website at www.sfwater.org.

To request a paper copy of the Water Quality Report, or for more information about the City of Hayward Water Distribution System or the Water Quality Report, please contact the Public Works & Utilities Department at (510) 583-4700 or utilities.administration@hayward-ca.gov with your request.

Fluoride
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission adds fluoride to water before it is delivered to Hayward. Water samples are collected and analyzed regularly to ensure that optimal fluoride concentrations are maintained.

For more information, please call Utilities Administration or (510) 583-4700.

Chloramine
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, which supplies the City of Hayward water supply, disinfects drinking water with chloramine. Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia that is considered a better disinfectant than chlorine alone. Many Bay Area communities also use chloramines to disinfect their water supply.

Most people are not affected by chloramine. However, certain customers need to take special precautions, specifically:

  • Dialysis patients and providers
  • Businesses using highly processed water
  • Owners of fish and amphibians

For additional information and resources, please visit: