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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)

Two consecutive winters of dismal Sierra snowpack and rainfall throughout California have resulted in the greatest threat to statewide water supplies in nearly 20 years. In June, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a statewide drought and called on Californians to take immediate action to reduce water consumption for the remainder of 2008 and prepare for the potential of worse water conditions next year.

The 2008 accumulated precipitation for the Hetch Hetchy Water delivery system is roughly 70% of the average annual total. Local storage reservoirs in the Peninsula and the East Bay have set records with the driest spring in 160 years.

Last spring the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) urged its 2.4 million Bay Area customers to curtail water consumption with a voluntary reduction goal of 10%. In order to successfully avoid the mandatory rationing that is affecting communities across California, we need a continued commitment to conservation. Based on our per capita use, the typical San Francisco residential household can meet a 10% reduction goal by about 10 gallons per person each day. You can also use the consumption from your water bill to estimate your household’s reduction goal and track success.

To help ensure a reliable water supply for today and the future, the SFPUC offers a variety of conservation programs and incentives. Whether you are a renter, homeowner or business, we have a program to help you conserve and save money on water, wastewater and energy bills.

For a complete list of SFPUC water conservation program incentives and eligibility rules, please visit www.sfwater.org or call (415) 551-4730.

Thank you for your efforts to safeguard our water supplies.

SFPUC Water Conservation Programs, include:

Replace Your Old Toilet

Apply for a cash rebate of up to $200 when you upgrade to a high-efficiency toilet. Efficient toilets use 50-80% less water per flush- that’s an average savings of 19,000 gallons per year!

Upgrade to An Efficient Clothes Washer

Take advantage of rebates of $200 - $400 when you purchase a new clothes washer. Efficient clothes washers use 40% less water and energy than traditional models and are gentler on clothes. Whether your new machine will be used in a private residence or a larger laundry facility, switching to high-efficiency clothes washers is a smart financial decision.

SFPUC rebates are now combined with energy-efficiency rebates from Pacific Gas & Electric Company for the purchase of residential high-efficiency clothes washers. For more information, visit www.waterenergysavings.com or call (800) 933-9555.

Commercial Conservation Programs

In addition to toilet and clothes washer rebates, the SFPUC offers a number of new programs for its commercial customers. Visit our website to learn more about our expanded rebate programs that include cooling tower conductivity controllers, urinals and water-savings based financial incentives.

Water Wise Evaluation

Learn to conserve with a FREE Water- Wise Evaluation. A SFPUC water-wise technician will visit your home or business to provide a comprehensive review of your water use and recommend water-wise practices.

SFPUC technicians will:

Review your water consumption history.
Teach you how to read your water meter
Check toilets and other devices for leaks.
Inspect water-using processes at your site such as coolers, ice machines and steamers.
Provide free high-efficiency devices such as showerheads and faucet aerators.
Make recommendations to reduce outdoor use.

Free Conservation Devices

The SFPUC Water Conservation Section offers San Francisco residents free water-saving devices, including:

Low-flow showerheads
Faucet Aerators
Garden Spray Nozzles
Soil Moisture Meters
Toilet Leak Detection Tablets

These water-saving devices are simple to install and, while they are small in size, can lead to significant water conservation savings. Together, installing one faucet aerator and one low-flow showerhead can result in an average of 14,000 gallons per year in savings.

For your free water-saving devices, schedule a free Water-Wise Evaluation for your home or business by calling (415) 551-4730. You can also, pick up devices at the SFPUC Customer Service office from 8am to 5pm, Monday - Friday at 1155 Market Street, 1st Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103.