by Sarah Miller
Sarah Miller
In April I participated in the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s Community Water Academy. Over 4 evenings and one full day, we got a behind-the-scenes look at how our region’s drinking water travels from the Sierra Nevada all the way to our taps—an intricate, carefully managed journey that depends on both natural systems and human stewardship.
- At East Bay Municipal Utility District’s Community Water Academy, sessions and tours take attendees across the East Bay, including stops in Oakland, Walnut Creek, Orinda and Berkeley.
- One of the biggest takeaways: water quality doesn’t happen by accident. Through rigorous testing, treatment, and monitoring at facilities like the Walnut Creek Water Treatment Plant, EBMUD ensures safe, reliable water every day—grounding our appreciation for the invisible infrastructure we rely on.
- A highlight of the Academy was a full-day source-water tour to Pardee Reservoir, the Mokelumne Fish Hatchery, and EBMUD’s aqueduct system, giving participants a firsthand understanding of the scale and complexity of Northern California’s interconnected water systems.
- We also explored sustainability and innovation at EBMUD’s wastewater treatment operations in Oakland, where the concept of “from poop to power” came to life through conversations about renewable energy, waste recovery, and emergency preparedness.
- We also celebrated a standout moment: EBMUD took home both the “People’s Choice” and “Best of the Best” honors at the California-Nevada Section AWWA Water Taste Test 2026, rising to the top among 15 agencies. This recognition reflects not just great-tasting water, but the expertise of staff and continued investment in infrastructure—from upgrades at treatment plants in Orinda, San Leandro, and Walnut Creek to long-term resilience planning—earning EBMUD a spot on the national stage at the AWWA ACE26 Conference this June.
If interested in learning more about EBMUDs Community Water Academy, look for more information here.