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Tap Water Quality
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is tap water on the UC Berkeley campus safe to drink?
The answer is YES! Tap water is distributed to the campus by the East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD). The water comes from an excellent source in the Sierras to various EBMUD treatment plants where it is further processed to ensure the water meets regulatory standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act before it reaches our taps.

Check out http://www.ebmud.com/ for more info.

What kinds of contaminants are typically found in tap water?
Tap water contains many different constituents which are controlled by EBMUD to meet regulatory limits. They are grouped into different categories such as Primary Constituents which can impart health effects, Secondary Constituents which impact the aesthetic quality of water, and Lead/Copper. A more complete list of constituents is found on the EBMUD website in the Annual Water Quality Report.

At UC Berkeley, questions sometimes arise about possible bacteria or lead in the water. Dozens of water quality lab tests performed on tap water from various campus buildings have demonstrated the absence of bacteria, even in the presence of unpleasant odors and taste. Lead has been found in some taps, but at levels that do not constitute a health hazard to the general public. Pregnant women and those caring for young children should understand lead hazards for their particular circumstances. Consult with EH&S or your medical provider for more information.

Does the age of a campus building affect the tap water quality?
In general terms, older buildings can be more susceptible to higher lead levels, but lab test results for campus buildings of differing ages do not always correlate with that hypothesis. Bacterial tests have always been good regardless of building age.

The water from the tap looks, smells, and tastes unpleasant. Is it okay to drink it?
EH&S has received complaints in the past about brown, blue, or red-colored water. Usually this is a result of water standing in the pipes for an extended period of time, such as over a school break period. Iron and copper in the water pipes can leach into the water and cause this kind of discoloration. Simply flushing the water until it runs clear remedies the problem and helps ensure the water is safe to drink.

Cloudy water is often the result of air in the pipeline after some types of plumbing maintenance work. Tiny bubbles can form in the water which will dissipate if the water is placed in a glass and allowed to stand before consumption. It is okay to drink this water.

Some people can smell chlorine or bleach odors in tap water. This is usually caused by the addition of chlorine to the water by EBMUD, and the interaction of that chlorine with a build-up of organic material in the plumbing system. It is safe to drink this water.

Should I filter the tap water before drinking it?
Filters on a tap, or in stand-alone units such as BRITA® pitchers, can improve the taste and odor. Check the filter manufacturer’s statements about the removal of other contaminants such as lead. Filters require regular maintenance, and if left unattended can negatively impact the water quality. A filter is typically not necessary unless users of that particular tap dislike the taste or odor of the water. See the Guide To Tap Water Filtration (pdf) from Food and Water Watch.

Is it okay to use hot tap water for consumption?
This is not recommended since hot water sitting in the pipes can more readily leach contaminants into the water, most notably lead. Always draw water from the cold tap if it will be used for cooking or drinking, and then heat the water if desired. This applies to water drawn at home as well.

The only tap water source available to me is the restroom sink. Is it okay to drink water from there?
Drinking fountains and sinks are all part of the same plumbing system. Drinking fountains, however, may feature chillers or filters to improve the temperature and taste. It’s okay to drink water from the restroom sink if there is no drinking fountain or kitchen sink available. There is no significant risk of water contamination from restroom faucets.

What about industrial water?
Some campus buildings have designated industrial water lines that serve mechanical equipment and labs. Industrial water and tap water are drawn from the same potable water supply for the building, but once inside they are split into two different lines. The industrial lines have several backflow preventers that prohibit the reverse flow of water to the other domestic lines, so there is no risk of cross contamination. Sinks plumbed with industrial water are labeled as such and usually carry the additional comment “Do Not Drink.” If there is a concern that a sink may be plumbed with industrial water and not properly labeled, Physical Plant Campus Services (PPCS) can verify the type of plumbing line and provide appropriate signage.

I still don’t believe the tap water is safe to drink. What else can I do?
EH&S can sample the water and have it tested by a state-certified laboratory. EH&S has a small budget to pay for sampling when there is an objective reason to suspect the water quality. If there is no objective reason to suspect a problem with the water quality, EH&S may recharge the associated department where the sample is collected for lab costs. EH&S will provide the labor at no cost.

Where can I get more information about water quality?
The following websites have great information:

Or contact EH&S at 510-642-3073, or ehs.berkeley.edu.