Water Quality

We make sure our water sources, connections, wells, and pools are safe for all San Franciscans.

Resources

Backflow assembly testing

Test your backflow prevention assembly to protect drinking water

Make sure San Francisco’s water supply stays clean and does not get contaminated.

Become an authorized backflow prevention assembly tester

Get a permit to test backflow prevention assemblies and keep our drinking water clean.

Wells

Apply to build or destroy a well

Get a permit to build or remove a well or soil boring.

Apply to operate a production or monitoring well

Get a permit to run a well to use groundwater or check conditions.

Water reuse systems

Apply to build a water reuse system

Get a permit to collect and reuse water for irrigation, laundry, and flushing toilets.

Swimming pools and spas

Apply to operate a swimming pool or spa

Submit an application to operate an existing or new public swimming pool or spa.

Pool cover requirements

Make sure you understand the requirements for the use and storage of your pool cover.

Ocean and beach water quality

Checking ocean and beach water quality

We test the ocean water at San Francisco beaches to make sure they are clean and safe for all.

Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis surveillance project reports and resources

We keep track of the risk factors of people who get cryptosporidiosis, an illness that causes diarrhea.

Health and building codes

San Francisco Health Code Article 12A: Backflow

City health code for backflow prevention.

San Francisco Health Code Article 12B: Borings & Wells

City health code outlining soil boring and well regulations.

San Francisco Health Code Article 12C: Alternate Water

City health code outlining alternate water sources for non-potable applications.

San Francisco Health Code Article 15: Pools and spas

City health code outlining public swimming pools and spas.

California Building Code Chapter 31B [DPH]: Public Pools

State code outlining public pool regulations.

Partner agencies

Department of Public Health

Environmental Health