City of San Bruno

The San Bruno Water Division ensures high water quality through effective maintenance of the distribution system. Our team maintains water freshness by implementing regular disinfection procedures that prevent microbial regrowth during storage and transmission.

To verify water quality, our division conducts a comprehensive assurance program that includes collecting over 50 samples monthly throughout our distribution network. These samples undergo testing at state-certified laboratories, with all 2017 samples meeting or exceeding required water quality standards.

Additional testing is regularly performed for lead and copper levels, disinfection byproducts (trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids - THMs and HAAs), and other physical components as mandated by state and federal regulations.

The Water Division maintains daily quality checks at five well facilities, SFPUC turnouts, storage tanks, and pump stations across the distribution system. Our qualified operators monitor these sites using our Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, providing continuous automated control and water quality information 24 hours a day.

In partnership with the San Mateo County Environmental Health Office, we manage a cross-connection prevention program that safeguards against possible contamination through backflow prevention devices. This includes yearly testing of city-owned backflow devices and monitoring compliance of privately owned devices.

Note to property owners: State regulations require annual testing of backflow prevention devices by certified inspectors.

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) conducts watershed sanitary surveys annually for the Hetch Hetchy source and every five years for local water sources, with the most recent local survey completed in 2016. These assessments evaluate sanitary conditions, water quality, potential contamination sources, and watershed management impacts, identifying wildlife, livestock, and human activities as potential contamination risks.

Water quality is constantly monitored through extensive testing. In 2017, SFPUC's Water Quality Division conducted over 55,273 drinking water tests in the transmission and distribution systems, supplementing the continuous monitoring performed by certified operators and online instruments.

It's important to note that all water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. To ensure safety, EPA and California regulations establish limits for contaminants in public water systems, with similar protections for bottled water.

1. When can I expect to receive my bill? Bills are typically mailed around the 12th of each month.
2. When is payment due? Payment is due by the 29th of each month. Please allow 3-5 business days for mailing.
3. When are late fees applied? Late fees are posted on the first business day following the due date.
4. When would I receive a service disconnection notice? Disconnect notices are mailed on the 5th of each month and include a $0.60 postage and handling fee.
5. How can I prevent service interruption? Payment arrangements must be made before the disconnection date to maintain service.
6. How can I restore service after disconnection? If your service has been disconnected for non-payment, you must pay the full outstanding balance plus a reconnection fee.
7. After paying to reconnect, when will my service resume? Once full payment is received, reconnection will occur the same day by 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.
8. Must I be present during reconnection? Yes, someone must be at the residence for reconnection. A $20.00 trip fee applies for each additional reconnection attempt beyond the initial try.
9. Will I be charged if a maintenance technician evaluates a service issue? A $40.00 trip fee applies for non-emergency or customer-related service calls after normal business hours. A $100.00 fee will be charged for meter tampering or damage caused by residents, and for meters that freeze due to resident negligence during cold weather.