Drought Recovery
Winter storms have made this year one of the wettest on record, and snowpack has reached record breaking levels. This follows directly after three of the driest years in recorded history.
Based on systemwide hydrologic conditions and water storage in the SFPUC’s reservoirs, we will ask our Commission to take formal action to rescind the Water Shortage Emergency Declaration at our April 11, 2023 Commission Meeting. If the Commission takes this action, the drought surcharge would be lifted, effective May 1, 2023.
Climate change is resulting in more extreme weather whiplash, and more long-term vulnerabilities for our water supply. Every drop of water matters.
The systemwide voluntary water use reduction of 11% remains in effect, 5% from San Francisco customers and 16% from wholesale agencies. This is because the State Water Board has mandated that urban water agencies remain in Level 2 drought response.
Rain or shine, every drop matters.Thank you for continuing to being water smart. San Francisco customers visit sfpuc.org/savewater for resources, rebates, and incentives.
Customers outside of San Francisco can visit bawsca.org/drought to find water conservation programs in your area.
Drought Surcharge Updates
Based on systemwide hydrologic conditions and water storage in the SFPUC’s reservoirs, we will ask our Commission to take formal action to rescind the Water Shortage Emergency Declaration at our April 11, 2023 Commission Meeting. If the Commission takes this action, the drought surcharge would be lifted, effective May 1, 2023.
For questions, please contact Customer Service at (415) 551-3000, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm except on holidays, or email us at
-
Take Advantage of Free Water Conservation Resources
- Save Water Guides: English, Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino,
- Free Water Conservation Check Up and Free Devices delivered to you. Sign up.
- Replacing your clothes washer? We have rebates for residential and commercial customers.
- Free water saving toilets including installation. See if you qualify.
- Businesses can earn rebates for equipment retrofits. Learn more.
-
Conservation Tip Sheets and Guides
-
Downloadable Signage for your Building or Business
Help spread the word about cutting water waste in your building. Download, print, and post these signs. Thank you!
Full Color Signs:
Partial Color to conserve printer ink:
Retail customers who receive a water bill from the SFPUC are asked to reduce their water use by 5%. Our wholesale customers are asked to conserve 13.5%. Our goal is to reduce water use by a combined total of 10% system-wide compared to the amount of water they used from July 2019 to June 2020. See how we are doing on the chart below.
For the Period July1, 2022 - March 3, 2023 | |||
CUSTOMER GROUPS | Fiscal Year 2019/2020: Avg. MGD | Fiscal Year 2021/2022: Avg. MGD | % REDUCTION |
San Francisco Customers | 64.3 | 55.3 | * 14.0% |
Wholesale Customers | 135.8 | 120.0 | 11.7% |
TOTAL | 200.2 | 175.4 | 12.4% |
* San Francisco’s reduced water use reflects COVID impacts to business operations. Changes in percent reduction may occur as the economy rebounds and business operations return to pre-pandemic levels.
Visit us here for up to date reservoir levels.