Adaptation and Resilience Technical Assistance Program
Hayward Nature-based Solutions Project
At the Hayward Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), the City of Hayward is planning a Nature-Based Solutions Project that integrates water treatment, flood protection, and habitat restoration.
The concept includes converting the WRRF’s former oxidation ponds into treatment wetlands that reduce nitrogen discharged into the Bay, improving water quality and supporting wetland habitat. A new living levee along the bayward edge would provide flood protection while creating a transition zone where plants and wildlife can migrate as sea levels rise.Plans also envision integrating a segment of the East Bay Regional Parks trail along the levee, offering visitors new elevated viewpoints and access to nature. A concept design for the wetland and levee system is expected in Fall 2026.
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Project Objectives
- Protect communities against sea level rise and flooding
- Improve water quality and wetland habitat
- Improve accessibility to recreational opportunities
Project Timeline
- 30% Design – anticipated September 2026
Project Reports
East Bay Dischargers Authority Nature-based Solutions: Hayward Feasibility Study
This Nature-Based Solutions Feasibility Study for the Hayward Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) was prepared for the East Bay Dischargers Authority (EBDA) and the City of Hayward to evaluate the potential for nature-based treatment systems to reduce nitrogen in wastewater effluent from the Hayward Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF). The proposed nature based treatment systems would be located within Hayward WPCF’s former oxidation ponds that were built in the mid-1900s and are currently used for wet weather storage of treated effluent. The Hayward WPCF currently discharges effluent to San Francisco Bay via the EBDA pipeline. With the implementation of a nature-based solution, Hayward could reduce both nutrient loading and discharges to the EBDA pipeline in dry weather while also preserving the utility of the former oxidation ponds as wet weather storage.
This report documents the concept for nature-based treatment at Hayward WPCF including background information on the WPCF and nature-based wastewater treatment methods. An evaluation of the concept feasibility is also provided, including estimates of treatment potential and cost.
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