The collection consists of files of the former Bureau of Sanitary Engineering of the California Department of Public Health, located in Berkeley, California (now known as the Department of Health Services), relating to water quality. Forms of the material include reports, correspondence, laboratory results and photographs. Materials also include applications to construct and operate sewage treatment works; disposal of septic tank effluent; discharge of sewage and industrial waste from industrial plants; sanitary surveys; taste and odor problems; sewer outfalls; water permits; and history of municipal water-supply systems throughout California.