SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
W A T E R Q U A L I T Y DIVISION
TEMPORARY CHANGE IN WATER QUALITY
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and the
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) advise you of algal growth
in some of the source water reservoirs.
What is the problem with my water?
The SFPUC has detected algal growth in some of the source water reservoirs for the drinking
water system. Warm weather contributes to algal growth. Some customers may experience
changes in taste or odor of their drinking water. SFPUC drinking water continues to comply with
State and Federal water quality standards.
What should I do?
There is nothing you need to do at this time. However, if you have specific health concerns,
consult your doctor. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants and some
elderly may be at increased risk. These people or their caregivers should seek advice about
drinking water from their health care providers.
Taste and odor can be removed by using carbon and reverse osmosis filters. Boiling and or
refrigeration of your tap water should also reduce taste and odor.
How and when will the problem be fixed?
The SFPUC has taken precautions to control the effect of the algal bloom on the drinking water
supply, and is monitoring the situation closely. Conditions are expected to return to normal by
November 16, 2008.
What are the health effects?
The drinking water meets all State and Federal water quality standards.
Need more information?
SFPUC Water Quality Division*
(650) 652-3100; www.sfwater.org
California Department of Public Health
(510) 620-3474
Your Local Water Provider*
See your water bill or city listings in your phone book.
US EPA Drinking Water Hotline
(800) 426-4791
SFPUC Customer Service Bureau
(415) 551-3099 (M-F) 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(415) 550-4911 After 5:00 PM and on holidays.
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SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
W A T E R Q U A L I T Y DIVISION
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who
may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes,
schools and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing
copies by hand or mail.
State Water System ID#: 3810001. Date distributed: November 14, 2008
* The SFPUC serves 2.4 million people including 29 suburban water systems (wholesale
customers) and numerous retail customers in addition to the City of San Francisco.
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