The mission of the Water Quality Bureau (WQB) is to ensure that the SFPUC complies with all current and future water quality regulations and customer expectations through sampling and laboratory analyses, process engineering, applied research, inspections, field project oversight, regulatory reporting, and support to treatment plant operations. Additionally, the WQB mission includes analysis of discharges (into the sewer system, Bay and Ocean), assessing environmental impacts, reporting to regulatory agencies, recommending/overseeing any necessary mitigation, providing customer services by responding to and resolving consumer complaints/inquiries about the quality of drinking and receiving waters, and performing regional laboratory analysis by contract for internal and external clients, and promoting diversity and the health, safety and professional development of its employees.
Scope
With a staff of 133 people, the Water Quality Bureau provides 365-day-per-year operational support (around-the-clock emergency response) in a service area ranging from Yosemite National Park to the Pacific Ocean. The WQB is made up of the following sections: Engineering, Environmental/Field Services, and the Laboratory.
The Engineering section provides process engineering support, conducts applied research, completes sanitary surveys, reviews data and new regulations, prepares regulatory reports, and oversees disinfection of facilities and dechlorination of water discharges to the environment. Process engineers are assigned to all major treatment facilities.
The Environmental/Field Services section provides marine biology, limnology, and field services support. The Marine Biology Group monitors wastewater discharges to the Bay and Ocean to ensure compliance with NPDES permit requirements. The Limnology Group monitors drinking water sources to help operators select the best source water or treatment alternative. The Limnology Group also responds to hazardous material events in the watershed. The Field Services Group collects over 111,000 samples per year, responds to consumer inquiries/complaints, manages the City's Cross Connection Control Program, and posts beach safety warnings after sewage overflows. Samples are collected from 'snowfall' (Yosemite National Park) to 'outfall' (San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean) locations. The Cross-Connection Control Program ensures that no harmful substances enter the water distribution system through annual device testing certification and facility inspections. Aproximately 200,000 analytical tests (field and laboratory) are conducted each year.
The Laboratory provides full analytical support (chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses) to SFPUC operating units (water and wastewater treatment), source control (pre-treatment) and engineering units and other City departments, public agencies, and wholesale water customers. Over 375,000 analytical tests are conducted each year. Process chemists are assigned to all major treatment facilities.
Departmental Contacts | ||||
| NAME | TITLE | PHONE |
FAX 
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Environmental Services
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(650) 652-3132
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Moccasin Laboratories
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(209) 989-2084
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(209) 989-2187
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Division Director
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(650) 652-3102
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(650) 652-3142
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Administration Services Manager
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(650) 652-3103
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(650) 652-3142
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Engineering Services
Manager |
(650) 652-3109
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(650) 652-3142
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CIP Coordination Manager
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(650) 652-3117
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(650) 652-3142
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Director of Laboratories
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(650) 871-3030
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(650) 952-3407
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