Sunol Water Temple Educational Center Remains Unopened After 17 Years

Millions spent on planning, but the project has yet to materialize.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The San Francisco Public Utility Commission began planning for a welcome center at the Sunol Water Temple over 17 years ago, during the early days of the Obama administration. Despite millions spent on the project, the educational center has yet to open to the public.

Why it matters

The Sunol Water Temple is a historic landmark and an important part of the Bay Area's water infrastructure. The planned educational center was meant to provide public access and information about the temple's history and role in the region's water system. The long delays and lack of progress on the project raise questions about the SFPUC's project management and priorities.

The details

The Sunol Water Temple welcome center was envisioned as a way to educate the public about the temple's history and function as part of the Hetch Hetchy water system that serves San Francisco and surrounding areas. However, the project has faced numerous delays and setbacks over the years, with no clear timeline for completion.

  • Planning for the Sunol Water Temple welcome center began over 17 years ago, during President Obama's first term.
  • The cost of gas was just over $2 per gallon when the project was first conceived.

The players

San Francisco Public Utility Commission

The government agency responsible for managing the Sunol Water Temple and the Hetch Hetchy water system that serves the San Francisco Bay Area.

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The takeaway

The prolonged delays and lack of progress on the Sunol Water Temple educational center project raise concerns about the SFPUC's ability to effectively manage and complete public infrastructure projects in a timely manner, despite the importance of the Sunol Water Temple to the region's water supply.