San Francisco property owners who experience flooding coming from plumbing fixtures or the public right-of-way caused by heavy rains can now be reimbursed for 100 percent of eligible costs up to $100,000 for flood prevention projects. Example projects have included doorway or driveway barriers, backflow preventers that stop sewage from backing up inside properties, sump pumps, regrading or raising driveways, and other flood prevention installations.

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Commissioners approved this latest improvement to the Floodwater Management Grant Program on February 28, 2023. Financial hardship benefits such as upfront payments are also available for qualifying low-income applicants.

We encourage you to submit an interest form to the Floodwater Grant team at floodwatergrants@sfwater.org if you experience flooding coming from plumbing fixtures or the public right-of-way caused by storms. Learn more and apply at sfpuc.org/floodwatergrant.

How to Get Started

1. Are you interested?
   Start by filling out this one-page interest form and submitting via email to floodwatergrants@sfwater.org. A staff person will contact you for more information or to set up a site visit at your property if applicable.
2. Looking for project ideas?
   See some example concepts that are covered by the Grant Program, such as installing a sewage backflow preventer, flood barriers on your doorsteps/driveways, sump pumps, and more.
3. Unsure who to work with?
   Check out the resource list of contractors and engineers with relevant experience.
4. Looking for more detailed information?
   See our grant requirements and terms. This package also contains the full application you will eventually need to fill out, with guidance from City staff.

Program Background

The SFPUC Floodwater Management Grant Program was launched in 2013 to help property owners in San Francisco minimize the risk of flooding on their properties due to heavy rainstorms.

The program was recently enhanced to include:

• Improved funding, including 100% reimbursement of eligible costs on approved projects under contract at time of construction, up to $100,000.
• Increased technical assistance, including a required initial site visit with engineers to determine eligibility and provide site opportunity assessment.
• Streamlined application process with more staff to assist applicants throughout the grant process.
• More resources for applicants, including a list of contractors and engineers and site opportunity assessments developed by our technical team to inform the project.
• Hardship financing providing upfront payment for qualified applicants.
• Grant reimbursements available through multiple installments.

To learn about other ways you can help prevent flooding in your neighborhood, visit sfpuc.org/rainreadysf.