This paper reviews water utility damage and response in the wake of the 1989 San Francisco Bay earthquake. Small water companies that collect water in the Santa Cruz mountains were devastated, but other utilities came through fairly well. Conditions in Santa Cruz, Soquel, San Jose, and San Francisco are discussed briefly; conditions for the East Bay Municipal Utility District are discussed in more detail. The public information efforts of all communities are also discussed. The author offers advice to public information personnel: stash a manual typewriter; diversify communications capabilities, including cellular telephones for media use; and preassign staffers' roles in emergencies. The author also suggests that photographers and video crews be dispatched to document damage and repairs immediately. Loss of power is generally the greatest problem in an emergency, and some provision should be made for backup systems.