Active Alerts

Flood and high wind watch for San Francisco. 

For your safety, avoid driving or walking through standing water at all cost.
Please be cautious of manhole covers that may have been dislodged. Report dislodged manhole covers to @SF311. 

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Activated

The City has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate citywide operations, such as clearing storm drains, responding to hill slides, distributing sandbags, and ensuring residents are informed.
Report non-life-threating storm issues to 311, such as:

  • Clogged catch basins
  • Non-life-threatening street and residential flooding
  • Sewer backups or wastewater odors
  • Downed trees

Read more about what to do before and during the storm.

Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel.

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Flushing Guidance

After any extended period of closure there may be water-quality issues that emerge when you return, reopen your business and begin using water again.

On March 16, 2020 the City and County of San Francisco issued a Public Health Order requiring that residents stay home, with the only exception being for essential needs. This order resulted in the mandatory closure of many buildings and businesses in the City.

The closure of a building may result in significant reduction in water use throughout the building, that in turn may result in degradation in water quality. Water-borne bacteria may have grown in the stagnant water in your internal plumbing system.

Important Steps to Mitigate the Impacts of the Reduction in Water Use

  1. Review the flushing guidance and checklist to assist you in preparing your water system to ensure that high-quality, safe and reliable water service can be restored.
  2. After implementing these measures, it is recommended that you consult with a plumbing contractor or other health and safety contractor.
  3. If, after completing the steps outlined, you experience any issues with your water, such as discoloration, odor or taste concerns, contact 3-1-1 for assistance.

From within San Francisco: 3-1-1 (for TTY, press 7) or (415) 701-2311

From outside San Francisco: (415) 701-2311 (for TTY, press 7) or TTY direct: (415) 701-2323

Questions

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact the SFPUC Water Quality Division at (650) 652-3100, Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.

Resources
Flushing Guidance & Checklist

Chinese

供水系統沖洗指引 (2022 年 7 月)
 

Filipino

Gabay sa Pag-flush para sa Mga System ng Tubig ng Gusali (Hulyo 2022) 
 

Spanish

Guía de descarga de agua para los sistemas de agua de los edificios (Julio de 2022)
 

 

References