Fremont – California – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
The Alameda County Water District (ACWD) provides comprehensive water services to approximately 344,000 residents across Fremont, Newark, and Union City in the Tri-City area of southern Alameda County. Established in 1956, ACWD operates a sophisticated water system that includes over 1,200 miles of distribution mains, multiple treatment facilities, and diverse water supply sources delivering approximately 45 million gallons of high-quality drinking water daily to California’s Bay Area communities.
ACWD sources its water from multiple supplies including the California State Water Project via the South Bay Aqueduct (approximately 37%), the San Francisco Regional Water System through Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (21%), and local sources including fresh groundwater from the Niles Cone Groundwater Basin and surface water from Del Valle Reservoir (42%). Water is treated at the state-of-the-art Water Treatment Plant No. 2 in Fremont’s Mission neighborhood, the Newark Desalination Facility, and the Blending Facility. ACWD’s water consistently meets all federal and state quality standards, and the utility has invested significantly in advanced treatment technologies, PFAS monitoring, and infrastructure modernization to ensure reliable water delivery for current and future generations.
Fremont Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- PFAS Monitoring: ACWD’s comprehensive PFAS testing through December 2024 confirms that no customers are receiving water with PFOS/PFOA, PFBS, or PFHxS concentrations above state notification levels, meeting all drinking water quality standards.
- Comprehensive Quality Assurance: ACWD conducts extensive water quality testing throughout the distribution system and at all treatment facilities, maintaining strict compliance with EPA and California Department of Public Health regulations.
- 2024 Compliance Status: ACWD’s water continues to meet or surpass all state and federal drinking water quality standards, as confirmed in their 2024 Annual Water Quality Report.
Diverse Water Sources
- State Water Project: Primary imported supply (37%) delivered via the South Bay Aqueduct from Northern California, providing regional water security and supply diversity.
- San Francisco Regional System: Secondary imported supply (21%) from Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, offering additional reliability and blending opportunities for optimal water quality.
- Local Sources: Fresh groundwater from the Niles Cone Groundwater Basin and surface water from Del Valle Reservoir (42%), recharged primarily from Alameda Creek watershed runoff and managed through advanced groundwater protection programs.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Water Treatment Plant No. 2: State-of-the-art ozone treatment facility opened in July 2024, treating over 20 million gallons daily with a 5-step process including ozonation, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and dual-media filtration, plus hydroelectric power generation.
- Newark Desalination Facility: Advanced reverse osmosis system treating brackish groundwater to remove salts and other impurities, providing additional local supply security since 2003.
- Blending Facility: Sophisticated water blending system combining multiple sources to optimize hardness levels and water quality, utilizing three parallel static mixers with 45 MGD sustainable capacity.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Treatment Facility Upgrades: Recent completion of the new PFAS Groundwater Treatment Facility and Water Treatment Plant No. 2 modernization, incorporating cutting-edge technologies for emerging contaminant removal and enhanced reliability.
- Distribution System Improvements: Ongoing Main Renewal and Seismic Improvements Program systematically upgrading water mains throughout the service area, with projects like the Central Newark-Thornton Avenue and Driscoll Road renewals improving system reliability.
- Smart Water Management: Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) deployment providing real-time monitoring, leak detection alerts, and improved system management throughout the 1,200+ mile distribution network.
Customer Protection Initiatives
ACWD provides extensive customer support through comprehensive conservation rebate programs, free water conservation kits, and the new Water Savings Center online portal for streamlined program access. The utility offers educational resources including water-wise landscaping guidance through their demonstration garden at headquarters and partnerships with ReScape California. ACWD’s proactive approach to emerging contaminants includes voluntary PFAS monitoring that began in 2020, well before state requirements. The district’s commitment to transparency includes detailed annual water quality reports, real-time system information, and comprehensive customer communication programs that keep residents informed about water quality, conservation opportunities, and system improvements.
Recommendations for Fremont Residents
Monitor Water Quality
Use ACWD’s Water Quality Self-Diagnostic Tool online to troubleshoot common water quality issues. For independent testing, visit acwd.org for a list of state-certified laboratories. Contact customer service at (510) 668-4200 for water quality concerns.
Access Rebate Programs
Apply for ACWD’s water conservation rebates through the new Water Savings Center portal. Available rebates include $75+ for smart irrigation controllers, lawn-to-garden conversions, rain barrels, and high-efficiency fixtures.
Get Conservation Kit
Order your free water conservation and leak detection kit through ACWD’s Water Savings Center. Complete the Do-It-Yourself Home Water Use Survey for personalized efficiency recommendations and free water-efficient fixtures.
Visit Demo Garden
Explore ACWD’s Water-Efficient Landscape Demonstration Garden at 43885 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont (available 24/7). Learn about native plants, stormwater capture, and water-wise landscaping techniques for your own property.
Report Issues
Contact ACWD Customer Service at (510) 668-4200 for billing and service questions (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm). For water emergencies including leaks and main breaks, call (510) 668-6500 available 24/7.
Contaminants of Concern
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from industrial processes, firefighting foams, and consumer products that persist in the environment and can enter water supplies
Health Effects: Research suggests potential impacts on immune system, liver function, cholesterol levels, and possible links to certain cancers and developmental effects
Current Status: ACWD’s December 2024 monitoring confirms no customers receive water above state notification levels for PFOS/PFOA, PFBS, or PFHxS EPA Limits: New federal Maximum Contaminant Levels for specific PFAS compounds became effective in 2024
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when chloramine disinfectant reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in source waters, particularly during warmer months or with certain water sources
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain cancers and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system function
Current Levels: Monitored regularly throughout ACWD’s diverse distribution system with levels maintained well below EPA maximum contaminant levels through optimized treatment processes EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Quality News About Your Water
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fremont’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, ACWD’s water consistently meets or surpasses all state and federal drinking water quality standards. The utility sources water from multiple supplies including the State Water Project, San Francisco Regional System, and local groundwater and surface water sources.
ACWD operates advanced treatment facilities including the new Water Treatment Plant No. 2 with ozone treatment, the Newark Desalination Facility with reverse osmosis, and the Blending Facility for optimal water quality. The district conducts extensive testing throughout the system and provides transparent annual water quality reports to all customers.
Why does my water sometimes taste or smell different?
Occasional taste and odor changes can occur due to several factors:
1. Source water blending: ACWD blends water from multiple sources (State Water Project, Hetch Hetchy, local groundwater) which can cause natural variations in taste
2. Chloramine disinfection: ACWD uses chloramine for water disinfection, which may occasionally produce a medicinal or chlorine-like smell, especially in hot water
3. Seasonal changes: Natural variations in source water quality during different weather conditions can affect taste
Use ACWD’s online Water Quality Self-Diagnostic Tool to identify the issue, or contact customer service at (510) 668-4200 for assistance.
Does ACWD test for PFAS and other emerging contaminants?
Yes, ACWD has been proactively monitoring for PFAS since 2020, well before state requirements:
• Comprehensive PFAS monitoring: Quarterly testing of all groundwater sources and treated water for PFAS compounds since January 2023
• Current results: December 2024 testing confirms no ACWD customers receive water with PFOS/PFOA, PFBS, or PFHxS concentrations above state notification levels
• Treatment capabilities: The new PFAS Groundwater Treatment Facility opened in July 2024 provides additional protection against emerging contaminants
• Transparency: Detailed PFAS monitoring results are published regularly on ACWD’s website with comprehensive explanations
ACWD’s diverse water supply portfolio and advanced treatment technologies provide multiple barriers against contamination.
Are there water restrictions in the ACWD service area?
ACWD implements water use efficiency measures that vary based on supply conditions:
Current Status (2025):
• Normal operations with conservation encouraged through rebate programs and education
• Active promotion of permanent water use efficiency practices
Drought Response History:
During drought emergencies (like 2021-2022), ACWD has implemented:
• Mandatory outdoor watering restrictions (specific days and times)
• Prohibitions on water waste and non-essential uses
• Enhanced conservation incentives and customer assistance programs
Current water use regulations and conservation tips are available at acwd.org or by calling (510) 668-4200.
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