Water Justice

The Water Justice program at Nuestra Casa seeks to promote tap water
and groundwater education and advocacy.

Photo from behind of woman in sweater writing on a post-it in front of a poster that says: "What is your understanding of tap water in East Palo Alto? ¿Cuál es su comprensíon sobre el tema: El agua de la llave, en East Palo Alto?" there are numerous post its in different colors stuck to the poster.

For decades, East Palo Alto residents have faced ongoing water quality and infrastructure challenges stemming from pre-1983 city development decisions. In 2019, Nuestra Casa partnered with the Environmental Justice Coalition for Water and the San Francisco Estuary Partnership to lead a groundbreaking Bay Area water justice initiative to address these critical issues.

The community needs assessment and drinking water testing program revealed important findings about East Palo Alto’s water quality and infrastructure needs.

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Our Projects

East Palo Alto Drinking Water Needs Assessment & Testing Program

Cover of report called: San Francisco Bay Area Tap Water Testing Report

Community Water Needs Assessment & Testing Program: East Palo Alto’s comprehensive water study, conducted through the Disadvantaged Community Technical Assistance Program (DACTIP), revealed critical infrastructure and water quality concerns. Our partnership with the San Francisco Estuary Partnership enabled detailed assessment of EPA residents’ water needs, testing initiatives, and infrastructure evaluation.

Community Trust & Affordability of Drinking Water

Groundbreaking research partnerships with Stanford University’s Osman and Fletcher Labs examined both water quality trust and affordability in East Palo Alto. The EPA Tap Water Trust Study highlighted community perspectives on drinking water safety, while the Water Affordability Study analyzed financial impacts on EPA households, particularly in disadvantaged communities facing rising water costs.

Get Involved: Community Water Task Force

Several community members sitting around a conference table. One man is speaking and gesturing to someone not in the photo

Our 2024 water justice campaign unites East Palo Alto residents with key decision-makers to address critical drinking water infrastructure challenges. Through strategic advocacy, the EPA Community Water Task Force now engages directly with California State Water Board officials, local water providers, and technical experts to improve our city’s aging water system.

This task force aims to help community members become experts on our water system. We are working together to identify the most effective ways to address our water system challenges. For more information about the Task Force, please write us here: environmentaljustice@nuestracasa.org

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Water Justice in East Palo Alto: Community Leaders and Experts Address Water Equity Crisis

Group of 8 people in professional dress standing in a line smiling

Watch as KQED Forum’s Alexis Madrigal moderates a crucial discussion on EPA’s water equity challenges with former Mayor Lisa Gauthier, community advocate Heleine Grewe, SPUR’s Laura Feinstein, water policy expert Max Gomberg, and Climate Resilient Communities’ Cade Cannedy.

Recorded at Bloomhouse on September 29, 2023, this panel explores East Palo Alto’s urgent water infrastructure needs, affordability concerns, and community-driven solutions for ensuring clean, accessible water for all EPA residents.

Watch the Panel Discussion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a mutual water company?

Mutual water companies are private not-for-profit organizations. Most mutual water systems are very small and rely on local groundwater. They do not have the financial resources or large staffs typical of most Bay Area urban water systems, such as East Palo Alto City Water. They are subject to many of the same regulations as public water companies.

What is the difference between water that comes from surface water versus groundwater?

Water in East Palo Alto comes from several sources, primarily surface water from the Sierra Nevada mountains and local groundwater. Each source has varying quality levels and issues. For example, the O’Connor Tract Co-Operative Water Company delivers groundwater, and testing has detected elevated levels of manganese in the water. It’s safe to drink but contains a contaminant that may not be present in a different water source. O’Connor Water is currently constructing a manganese treatment plant to mitigate this secondary-level contaminant so that the water meets secondary standards of regulation. Palo Alto Park Mutual had a secondary MCL violation for aluminum levels that was resolved in August 2022. Hetch Hetchy, one of the Bay Area’s major watersheds and sources of surface water, is from the Sierra Nevada and is considered one of the purest forms of drinking water available.

What should I do if I am concerned about my water?

If you are concerned about your water, contact your local water utility. East Palo Alto City Water: (650) 322-2083. O’Connor Tract Co-Operative Water Company: (650) 321-2723. Palo Alto Park Mutual Water Company: (650) 322-6903.

Who can I talk to about my water?

If you have questions or concerns about your water quality, billing, or service, you can contact your water provider directly. To find out who your water provider is, use the Community Water Center lookup tool: https://www.communitywatercenter.org/drinkingwatertool/your-water

What is a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)?

A Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is an annual water quality report that your water supplier must provide. It includes information about the source of your water, any detected contaminants, compliance with drinking water regulations, and educational information.