EBMUD is committed to providing reliable, high-quality drinking water and wastewater service through sustainable activities that avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse effects to the environment and the public.
A sustainability policy, adopted in 2008, focuses on using resources (economic, environmental, and human) in a responsible manner that meets the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet the needs of tomorrow.
This business approach uses a holistic view and minimizes waste; conserves energy and natural resources; promotes long-term economic viability; supports safety and well-being for employees, communities, and customers; and is beneficial to society.
The Climate Action Plan
Climate change has the potential to affect every aspect of our work including our water supply, water quality, environment, infrastructure, finances, customers and employees.
Read about how we’re preparing below.
| Document | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Action Plan 2024 Update | 3.9 MB | |
| Climate Action Plan 2021 | 1.6 MB |
Sustainability Report
EBMUD assesses District operations and policies to ensure that feasible steps are taken to improve sustainability. View EBMUD's Sustainability Report documenting our sustainability efforts in the areas of Long-Term Water Supply, Water Quality & Environmental Protection, Long-Term Infrastructure Investment, Long-Term Financial Stability, Customer and Community Services and Workforce Planning & Development.
| Document | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability Report 2018 | <1 MB |
Protecting Natural Habitat
EBMUD has been the custodian of beautiful watershed lands in the East Bay and Mother Lode for more than 85 years. We manage our lands to protect them, and the water that runs through them. They are an oasis for wildlife, provide a lush haven for people, and supply recreational opportunities for many. Learn more about Habitat Conservation and Restoration.
Integrated Pest Management
EBMUD uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to manage pest problems in and around our facilities, our watersheds, and at other district-owned properties. Pests can be plants, insects, or other animals that negatively impact human health, ecosystems, water quality, our infrastructure, or sensitive biological organisms, including protected species.
IPM is a process that allows our staff to determine appropriate control methods based on the pest and site-specific conditions while minimizing impacts to human health, the environment, and non-target organisms. EBMUD uses site-specific control methods guided by our IPM Program, which can include biological, physical, cultural, and chemical techniques.
For more information you can contact IPM@ebmud.com.
Integrated Pest Management
EBMUD NOI and AQUATIC PESTICIDE APPLICATION PLAN 2022
| Document | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| IPM Annual Update 2022 | <1 MB | |
| IPM Guidelines 2021 | <1 MB | |
| IPM Guidelines Appendix A Pesticides List | <1 MB | |
| IPM Guidelines Appendix B Notification Procedure | <1 MB | |
| EBMUD NOI & Aquatic Pesticide Application Plan 2022 | 14.9 MB |
Renewable Energy and Energy Reduction
In the 1920's, EBMUD's founding fathers set the District on an energy-efficient path by designing a water system that relies on gravity to transport snowmelt through three large pipes down to the East Bay. When pumping is needed, it is done during off-peak hours whenever possible. Learn more about Recycling Water and Energy.
EBMUD uses 89 percent less energy than the average California utility to deliver water and has made great strides in generating clean energy and reducing overall energy use.
Reducing Greenhouse Gases
EBMUD works to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, as well as impacts to climate change, guided by the Climate Mitigation Action Plan. The District's goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent over the year 2000 baseline by 2015, and has cut greenhouse gas emissions six years ahead of schedule.
In 2010, the reduction was 13,300 metric tons compared to the baseline.
The District tracks greenhouse gas emissions per the California Climate Action Registry protocols.
Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Reclaim, Conserve
EBMUD encourages employees to recycle materials and supplies, and is developing sustainable purchasing guidelines. Also, employees chip in by taking alternative forms of transportation. Almost a quarter either bike to work, use mass transit, or carpool.
For customers, EBMUD has been helping residents and businesses conserve water and energy with aggressive water conservation programs. Customers receive free services, rebates, tips and information. The District's recycled water program is another way to stretch limited water supplies.
EBMUD provides recycled water to more than 50 customer sites including EBMUD’s Administrative Headquarters in Oakland and a variety of industrial and irrigation customers.
Protecting the Bay
What you send down your drain can affect the wastewater system all the way from your home or business to the Bay. Ensuring that pollutants don't enter the Bay is a job we all share. EBMUD pollution prevention programs for residents and businesses help keep San Francisco Bay clean. Find out more about what you can do here: