Can I drink the tap water?

How good is the tap water in San Francisco, United States ?

How good is the tap water in all of United States?

Can you drink the tap water in San Francisco then?

What residents and travelers say

San Francisco's tap water is often praised for its clean taste and quality, largely attributed to its source in the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. However, experiences can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and even individual buildings. Many residents report enjoying the water straight from the tap due to its mineral profile, which is often described as crisp and fresh. Still, others prefer to use filters, mainly for taste preferences or concerns over older plumbing that might affect water quality at the point of use.

Visitors and locals alike note that while most areas in San Francisco boast reliable water quality, some older buildings might show differences in taste or clarity, prompting use of home filters. Common filtration choices include simple carbon filters that reduce odor or slight off-flavors, which can be more prominent in certain parts of the city. Additionally, refill norms generally support using tap water; reusable bottles are common among environmentally conscious residents, and refill stations are available at many public spots.

• Taste: Generally clean and fresh with slight mineral notes, but varies by building age and neighborhood.
• Filter habits: Many residents use filters mainly for taste or concerns about old plumbing rather than contamination.
• Refill norms: Widely accepted and encouraged, with numerous public water refill stations.
• Local caveats: Older buildings might affect water taste and clarity due to plumbing; high-rise filters are more common there.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about water quality and any advisories, it’s best to consult official sources like the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), the San Francisco Department of Public Health, or check real-time updates via the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on Twitter.

Further reading on tap water in San Francisco

To verify San Francisco's tap water quality and current advisories, start by visiting the official San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) website, which provides up-to-date water quality reports and alerts. Additionally, check the San Francisco Department of Public Health site for health-related notices. For national standards and guidance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website is authoritative. Supplement your checks by viewing official SFPUC social media accounts on X (Twitter) or the city's civic dashboards, where real-time advisories and updates are often posted.

• https://sfwater.org" rel="noopener" target="_blank">San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)
• https://www.sfdph.org" rel="noopener" target="_blank">San Francisco Department of Public Health
• https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water" rel="noopener" target="_blank">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Drinking Water
• https://twitter.com/SFPUC" rel="noopener" target="_blank">San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on X (Twitter)
• https://datasf.org" rel="noopener" target="_blank">City and County of San Francisco Civic Dashboards