Water
The San Bruno Water Division is responsible for the production and delivery of the City's drinking water supply. State certified/licensed treatment and distribution operators monitor and maintain the City's water storage tanks and delivery system. The Water Division rigorously protect and test the quality of your water to ensure that it meets or exceeds all federal and state standards for health.
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Water Quality
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For afterhours water or sewer emergencies, please contact (650) 616-7160.
- Connecting to City Water
- Dishwashers - Spotting
- Fluoride
- Flush Out Water Heater
- Hard Water
- Rotten Egg Smell
- Temporary Water Service
A property may be connected to the City's water system if it is located within the City limits and utilities are available. If utilities are not already stubbed to the property line, an Encroachment Permit is needed to work in the City right-of-way. Contact the Engineering Division to determine the closest utilities and availability for connection. A Building Permit is also required to construct utilities from the property line to the house and may be obtained through the Building Division. Connection Fees are collected when the Building Permit is issued.
The spots that may appear on glassware after being washed and air-dried are caused by mineral deposits that remain on the glass when the water evaporates. Commercial products are available that allow the water to drain from the glassware more completely. Towel drying glassware will also reduce mineral deposits.
Fluoride is not added to water produced by the City’s groundwater; however, it is naturally occurring in the groundwater supply and ranges between 0.2 to 0.7 milligrams per liter (“mg/L”). As part of the treatment process, fluoride is added to water that comes from the Harry Tracy Treatment Plant (owned and operated by the SFPUC) that is supplied to the City, which has a fluoride level of 0.8 mg/L.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulates fluoride in drinking water. The maximum level of fluoride deemed acceptable per EPA standards is 4 mg/L. The California Department of Health Services, which specifically regulates the City’s water system, recommends the fluoride levels in drinking water average 1 mg/L with the maximum level being 2 mg/L. For additional information about the City’s water supply and water quality, refer to the annual Water Quality Report.
Many manufacturers recommend periodic flushing of water heaters to remove sediment that can build up. The sediment can cause discoloration of the water and make the water heater less efficient. Customers sometimes report white particles that clog plumbing fixtures. This may be bits of calcium carbonate scale coming from your water heater. The scaling may be worsened because the water heater thermostat is too high. If the particles are calcium carbonate, you probably need to flush your water heater. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's owner's guide for your water heater.
Calcium and magnesium are the two minerals that typically cause drinking water hardness. If substantial amounts of calcium and/or magnesium are present in your water, the water is said to be hard because making a lather of suds for washing is difficult to do. Water containing little calcium or magnesium is called soft water.
For City-wide hard water averages, see the annual Water Quality Report.
Water hardness varies seasonally and differs throughout the City. It is recommended that residents test their water hardness, using simple kits that can be purchased from many pool supply and hardware stores, to help program the softener for maximum efficiency. Residents wishing to have their water hardness tested call Public Works Water Division at (650) 616-7160.
Bacteria growing in sink drains can make hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs. When water runs down the drain, the odor is pushed out where it can be smelled. A cup of household bleach poured down the drain will help kill the bacteria and take care of the smell. Water heaters can also harbor bacteria that cause rotten egg smells. If your sink drain is not the source, check your hot water for rotten egg smells and flush your water heater if necessary.
Temporary water service for construction is typically provided through a fire hydrant and requires an agreement to use a fire hydrant meter. For deposit requirements and the application, contact Utility Billing at (650) 616-7086.
For all other inquires, contact Public Works at (616) 616-7065.