Is San Francisco Tap Water Safe To Drink?

Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.

San Francisco tap water meets all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for safety and quality. It originates mainly from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

Water Sources
Drinking Fountains

The water undergoes rigorous testing and treatment, including filtration, disinfection, and regular monitoring for contaminants. Violations are rare and promptly addressed.

Overall, San Francisco tap water is considered safe to drink by health authorities and is regularly audited for compliance with federal and state regulations.

Last checked: 2025-04-25

United States is ranked as number 9 globally with a score of 96.4% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.

Source of Water in San Francisco, United States

San Francisco's primary tap water source is the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, providing high-quality, protected Sierra Nevada snowmelt.

Supplementary water comes from local groundwater wells and the Alameda Watershed, ensuring supply reliability during droughts or maintenance periods.

These sources are managed by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, maintaining water quality through careful protection and treatment processes.

San Francisco Drinking Fountains

Public drinking fountains in San Francisco receive treated water from the city’s safe, regulated supply, meeting all health and safety standards.

Maintenance and regular cleaning are performed to ensure fountains remain sanitary and reduce risk of contamination.

Users should avoid direct contact with fountain spouts to minimize bacterial transmission, but overall fountains are safe for public use.

Drinking Water Map

Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in San Francisco. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.

Nearby Places

About the Author

Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.

I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.

Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job — it's something I truly care about.

Disclaimer

* The information provided on this website regarding the safety of tap water in San Francisco is sourced from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), local water authorities, and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) from Yale University. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, it's important to note that water quality can vary over time and may be subject to factors beyond our control. Users are encouraged to verify the current water quality status with local authorities or consult additional resources before making decisions regarding water consumption. We disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information provided on this website.