Water Supplies

Stanford University relies on a diverse array of water supplies.

Stanford’s water systems are made up of an intricate network of supplies, storage and distribution facilities for domestic (potable), lake (non-potable irrigation), and alternative water sources, along with sanitary sewer (waste water) and storm drainage (runoff) systems. The water systems are managed by the Water Resources and Civil Infrastructure Group within the Sustainability and Energy Management (SEM) department of Land, Buildings, and Real Estate (LBRE). The University's domestic water supply resources consist of the regional drinking water supply system that delivers water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains (as well as local watersheds) managed by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Stanford’s own non-potable (Lake Water) system is supplied by surface water diversions from local foothills creeks, groundwater, and now captured stormwater.