Surface water runoff is diverted from local foothill creeks into reservoirs and lakes on Stanford’s lands, like Felt Lake. Surface water is the main source of non-potable water used for irrigation on Stanford’s campus.
Stanford’s extensive stormwater system runs through two watersheds and includes miles of piping through campus and drainage ditches. Learn more about Stanford’s comprehensive stormwater capture system.
Stanford prevents stormwater pollution by promoting best management practices, conducting site visits, and maintaining treatment facilities. The Water Planning & Stewardship team ensures compliance, educates stakeholders, and protects local waterways — reinforcing the principle Only Rain Down the Drain to safeguard creeks and the San Francisco Bay.
Stanford sustainably manages its groundwater supply, which supplements non-potable irrigation and serves as a backup potable water source. With stable recharge from creeks and runoff, Stanford ensures groundwater withdrawals remain below recharge rates, preserving this critical resource for long-term sustainability and resilience.
Efficient Irrigation: Conserving Water at Stanford
Sustainable irrigation is a key part of Stanford’s Water Efficiency Program, which has reduced domestic water use by 48% since 2001, despite campus growth. Weather-based irrigation controllers, irrigation equipment upgrades, efficient fixtures, and smart monitoring have saved millions of gallons annually. These efforts ensure sustainable irrigation while maintaining Stanford’s landscapes and reducing reliance on potable water.
Lake Lagunita, in addition to serving as a holding space for stormwater capture and non-potable water overflow, is an ecologically biodiverse habitat that Stanford works to conserve and protect. Visit Lake Lagunita to learn more about the various protected species and stewardship of this special and historic campus landmark.
Felt Lake, a man-made reservoir, is used by Stanford to irrigate campus with non-potable water, reducing the amount of imported water Stanford would otherwise need to meet irrigation demands.
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir: Stanford’s Primary Water Source
Stanford’s primary potable water source is the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, supplied by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. This high-quality Sierra Nevada water is delivered via a regional system, providing reliable, treated drinking water to campus while supporting Stanford’s water conservation and sustainability efforts.
Stanford purchases high-quality drinking water from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, primarily sourced from Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The university ensures water safety through rigorous testing, monitoring, and treatment programs.
Stanford’s wastewater flows through a 43-mile sanitary sewer system to the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant for treatment. The Water Planning & Stewardship team ensures compliance, prevents blockages, and promotes best practices, supporting wastewater quality, pollution prevention, and environmental stewardship.
Stanford partners with the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant to reduce wastewater contamination and protect San Francisco Bay. Through conservation, less-toxic alternatives, and best practices, the university minimizes pollutants from labs, food services, and residences—ensuring cleaner water and a healthier environment.
Stanford’s drinking water, sourced primarily from Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, meets and exceeds all state and federal quality standards. Carefully monitored and treated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, safe, reliable, and clean water is provided to campus from one of the freshest sources possible.
Stanford is committed to preserving one of Earth’s most vital resources – water. Our sustainable water supply system draws from local watersheds, stormwater capture, lake water, and groundwater to ensure reliable and high-quality water sources for the Stanford community.
Through innovative conservation efforts, Stanford has reduced domestic water use by 48% since 2001, even as the campus continues to grow. This achievement is driven by water-efficient fixtures, smart irrigation systems, and the robust Water Conservation Master Plan.
Sourcing Water Sustainably
Stanford University’s water supply is a dynamic, diverse system designed to meet the needs of a growing campus while protecting precious resources. From domestic (potable) water sourced from the Sierra Nevada and local watersheds, to non-potable lake water used for irrigation, our water comes from a variety of sources. This system also includes innovative alternative water sources such as captured stormwater and groundwater. Together, these systems ensure efficient water use and support Stanford’s commitment to sustainability, helping the campus thrive while conserving resources for the future.
During California’s recent droughts, Stanford implemented water-saving measures including irrigation limits and prohibition of non-functional turf watering. These actions, coupled with Stanford’s long-standing water conservation efforts, resulted in a 48% reduction in domestic water use from 2001 to 2021, even with campus expansion. The university uses non-potable lake water for landscaping and stormwater capture for irrigation, ensuring resource efficiency.
The Water Conservation Master Plan is a strategic initiative to optimize water use while reducing consumption and creating a sustainable supply for the future. The plan identifies campus consumption trends and sets targets to reduce indoor and outdoor water use. Stanford aims to balance demand, conservation efforts, and environmental responsibility, ensuring that future water needs are met without unnecessary expenditures.
Labs consume large amounts of water for cooling equipment and washing and sanitizing of glassware. Learn best practices to use water efficiently and responsibly.
