Water Resilience in Woodside: Wells, Cal Water, Rain Capture

What happens if your water stops flowing for a day in Woodside? Whether you rely on Cal Water’s Bear Gulch system or a private well, planning ahead can protect your comfort and your property value. In this guide, you’ll learn how Woodside’s water supply works, what to check if a home uses a well, and how to legally capture rain for added resilience. Let’s dive in.

How Woodside gets its water

Many Woodside addresses are served by California Water Service’s Bear Gulch District, while others rely on private wells or small mutual systems. Bear Gulch depends largely on the San Francisco Regional Water System and keeps limited treated water in local tanks. BAWSCA’s profile notes heavy reliance on SFPUC deliveries and treated storage measured in less than a day under outage scenarios, which makes local resilience planning important. You can review the Bear Gulch overview through BAWSCA and the regional supply details from the SFPUC’s description of its water system.

• Bear Gulch District profile: BAWSCA
• Regional supply overview: SFPUC Our Systems

What reliability means for your home

Limited treated storage means delivery depends on regional pipelines and treatment facilities. The SFPUC highlights ongoing seismic and reliability upgrades across the system and notes drought and climate change as long‑term pressures. For homeowners, that points to smart on‑site strategies like storage, rain capture, and efficient use. Explore SFPUC’s service goals to understand regional reliability planning and why local backup can help.

• Reliability and service goals: SFPUC Water Enterprise

If your property uses a private well

Private wells are common on rural Woodside parcels. If a listing does not state “public water,” assume a well is possible and verify during due diligence.

What to check before you buy or sell

• Ask for the well completion report, well log, and any county permits.
• Request pump performance data (gallons per minute), static water level, pressure tank size, and the age of the pump and plumbing.
• Gather service and maintenance records.
• If the well is shared, obtain the recorded shared‑well agreement and easements that define access and cost sharing.
• Order independent water testing and consider a drawdown test if yield is a concern.

Testing and water quality

Annual testing for total coliform bacteria and nitrate is widely recommended for private wells, with periodic testing for other constituents based on local conditions. Consider arsenic or metals if geology suggests risk, and consider PFAS where potential sources exist. Always use a state‑certified laboratory. For practical guidance, see the CDC’s well testing recommendations and the EPA’s PFAS resources for private wells.

• Annual testing guidance: CDC private well testing
• PFAS considerations: EPA on PFAS and private wells

Permits and records

Counties typically administer well construction, repair, and abandonment permits, and California DWR receives Well Completion Reports and sets statewide standards in the Bulletin 74 series. In San Mateo County, contact Environmental Health for permits and status checks, and verify that abandoned wells were properly closed. DWR’s Be Well Prepared hub and the state Law Reference Book explain roles and standards so you know who to call and what documents to request.

• Owner preparation and well basics: California DWR Be Well Prepared
• Agency roles and well standards: State Law Reference Book

Rainwater capture in Woodside

Rain capture can cut outdoor potable use, support landscapes, and add backup capacity during supply interruptions.

What is legal in California

California’s Rainwater Capture Act authorizes rooftop rainwater harvesting for on‑site use. Proposition 72 excludes qualifying rainwater capture systems installed on or after January 1, 2019 from property tax reassessment. For larger systems or any interconnection with a potable system, coordinate early with local building and plumbing officials and your water provider.

• State authorization and tax exclusion context: Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750)

Local rebates and support

San Mateo County, C/CAG, BAWSCA, and FlowsToBay offer periodic rebates, workshops, and discounted rain barrels and rain‑garden support. These programs are a practical way to start with low cost and low permitting complexity. Watch countywide announcements for upcoming events and availability.

• County program updates: FlowsToBay news and rebates

When permits apply

Simple rain barrels for outdoor irrigation are usually straightforward. Larger cisterns, indoor nonpotable uses, or any setup that connects to a potable line will likely require permits, backflow protection, cross‑connection control, and clear labeling. Confirm requirements with the Town or County building and plumbing officials and your water supplier before you build.

Practical steps to build resilience

• Start small with rain barrels to reduce landscape demand and add a simple buffer.
• Plan a larger cistern if you irrigate regularly or want extra emergency water on site.
• Consider a code‑compliant greywater system to reduce potable use for landscapes.
• If you have a well, schedule annual testing, keep maintenance records, and plan for pump or pressure tank replacement as needed.
• Create an emergency plan with short‑term potable storage or a temporary hauled‑water option.
• If you are on a mutual system, ask about potential consolidation or connection options with nearby retailers.

Who to contact

• Cal Water Bear Gulch District for service boundaries and cross‑connection guidance.
• San Mateo County Environmental Health for well permits, inspections, and abandonment standards.
• SFPUC for regional supply and reliability context.
• California DWR for well completion reports and statewide standards.

Ready to align water resilience with your purchase or sale strategy in Woodside? Our engineering‑informed approach helps you scope due diligence, coordinate the right specialists, and present your home with confidence. Connect with Luxuriant Realty to get a tailored plan.

FAQs

How can I tell if a Woodside home is on public water or a private well?

• Ask the seller and review disclosures, look for utility easements on title, and inspect the site for well equipment. Contact the local water provider to confirm service boundaries.

What water tests should I order for a private well during escrow?

• Order total coliform and nitrate as a baseline, then add metals or arsenic based on local geology, and PFAS where potential sources exist. Use a state‑certified laboratory.

What should a shared‑well agreement include for a Woodside property?

• It should be recorded and cover access, cost sharing, maintenance, testing schedules, and dispute resolution. Verify easements are recorded for all parcels served.

Will a rainwater capture system raise my property taxes in California?

• Qualifying systems installed on or after January 1, 2019 are excluded from reassessment under Proposition 72. Confirm design and permits with local officials before installation.

Do I need permits for a large cistern or indoor nonpotable use?

• Likely yes. Larger systems often require building and plumbing permits, backflow protection, and cross‑connection control. Coordinate with local officials and your water supplier early.