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New processes and data access allow for increased water monitoring and issue resolution.
SamTrans uses water for drinking, restroom and shower facilities, bus washing, and other typical commercial uses. Historically, a majority of this use has been associated with North Base and South Base. Over the past five years, both locations have witnessed several serious water leaks resulting in elevated usage. A convergence of factors including ground subsidence and differential settlement, a high-water table, and aged infrastructure are the root causes. Once sprung, these leaks have been especially hard to identify given the wet soil conditions; staff have been able to identify only through higher utility bills.
SamTrans launched a Conditions and Needs Assessment in the fall of 2024 (FY25) to assess above-ground facilities conditions. Subterranean infrastructure was not in scope, with the intent to manage through leak monitoring and subsequent patching. However, a series of leaks and acknowledgement pipes were at the end of their useful life accelerated the plan to replace both the main and fire waterlines at North Base in winter 2025. These replacement lines are designed to better resist leaks with the addition of corrosion resistant coatings and fittings at joints, the main culprit in past leaks. Consequently, a similar project to replace both the main and fire waterlines at South Base is nearing completion at the time of this report’s publication.
These efforts will help SamTrans better manage water use, improve facility reliability, and plan for long-term sustainability. Critical to reducing these events in the near term is spotting them early. Sustainability staff are now listed as utility account contacts, receiving monthly invoice notices and having access to usage dashboards for greater visibility.
In FY2025, SamTrans consumed approximately 10.3 million gallons of water. This was 9% lower than FY24. North Base remained the District’s largest water user, followed by South Base and Central.
SamTrans facilities have routine inspections and maintenance of storm drains, catch basins, and regular debris removal sweeping to help keep pollutants out of the stormwater system. These Stormwater Management practices help prevent oil, grease, and detergents from entering storm drains.
Bus washing is one of the District’s primary water uses, and the closed-loop bus wash systems installed at North Base and South Base help reduce water use (and costs!). These systems are designed to recover and recycle ~ 85% of water used during bus washing, minimizing fresh water use and limiting wastewater discharge.
By reusing water, SamTrans reduces overall water demand and supports more efficient facility operations. Added closed-loop system benefits include reduced energy for water pumping and treatment compared to more water-intensive systems. Bus washing follows an established operating schedule, with buses washed on a daily basis to maintain fleet cleanliness.
85% Water Recovery Saving water, energy, and money
Go Further: View Water Use Annual DataThe North Base facility uses the most water, followed by South Base and Central facilities. The Sequoia facility, which is the Redwood City Transit Center, used a small amount of water, while water use was nearly eliminated at the park and ride locations.
Emissions from water are generated indirectly through the combustion of fossil fuels in electricity generation for water delivery, conveyance, and treatment. Though SamTrans does not directly control these emissions, they are included in this inventory because the emissions are a consequence of SamTrans' use of the water.
Water use per Facility [Footnote #1]
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