City of Hayward

HOW DOES CLEAN WATER BECOME CONTAMINATED?

SFPUC actively protects the natural water resources under its stewardship. Their annual Hetch Hetchy Watershed analysis evaluates environmental conditions, water quality, potential contamination sources, and the effectiveness of management actions implemented by SFPUC and partner organizations like the National Park Service.

SFPUC also conducts comprehensive surveys of the local Alameda and Peninsula watersheds every five years. These assessments have identified both wildlife activity and human behavior as potential contamination sources. The most recent local sanitary review was completed in 2016, covering the period from 2011-2015. This information is available for public review at the SWRCB Clean Water Division office (510-620-3474).

The Hayward City Council serves as the governing authority for the Hayward Water System. Council meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings (except the second and fifth Tuesdays) at Hayward City Hall. The SFPUC oversees the wholesale water supply system that delivers water to Hayward, meeting on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. at San Francisco City Hall, Room 400. The public is encouraged to participate in these meetings.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems (those undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants) may face increased risk from infections. These individuals should seek advice about municipal water from their healthcare providers. USEPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate measures to reduce infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available via the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or at www.epa.gov/safewater.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) typically include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, while also potentially collecting substances from animal presence or human activities.

Water & Sewer

1. My water appears rusty or reddish. What should I do?

   Sometimes sediment gets disturbed in water mains due to high demand (such as firefighting) or routine maintenance flushing by the Water and Sewer Division. The water has been properly treated and disinfected, but picked up iron (rust) on its journey to your property. We recommend running your cold water tap for several minutes until clear. Avoid doing laundry until the water clears, as clothes may become stained by the iron. If the problem persists, contact the Water and Sewer Division at 607-272-1717.

2. I have no water service. Who should I contact?

   If you have no water and have verified that all plumbing shut-off valves are open, contact the Water and Sewer Division. During business hours (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), call 607-272-1717. After hours, call 607-273-4680.

3. There's water flowing from the ground or a damaged fire hydrant. Whom should I contact?

   Report potential water leaks or damaged hydrants to the Water and Sewer Division. During business hours (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), call 607-272-1717. After hours, call 607-273-4680.

4. My sewer line is backed up. Who covers the cost of clearing it?

   The answer depends on the blockage location. If your sewer lateral backs up, we recommend contacting a local drain cleaning company or plumber who can quickly identify the blockage location. If the problem is between your home and the clean-out on your property line (most common), the property owner is responsible for costs. If the issue is between the clean-out and the sewer main in the street, the Water and Sewer Division should be contacted to make repairs at no cost to the property owner.

5. How do I apply for new water or sewer service?

   Contact the Water and Sewer Division at 607-272-1717. For new water service, city crews will tap the water main and run service to a curb box at your property line. The initial installation cost is billed to you, but the city maintains the service from the main to the curb box indefinitely at no additional cost. Connecting from the curb box to your water meter is your responsibility, typically done by a licensed plumber.

   For new sewer service, city crews will install a lateral from the main to a clean-out at your property line. You'll be billed for initial installation, but the city maintains the lateral from the main to the clean-out indefinitely at no cost. Connecting from the clean-out to your building is your responsibility, typically done by a licensed plumber.