San Francisco Port Commission approves 30-year water agreement with Mission Rock Utilities

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on two significant agenda items: a consultant contract related to the Epic CareLink system and a water purchase agreement for the Mission Rock project.

The meeting commenced with a discussion about a $280,000 subcontract for a consultant to assist with the Epic CareLink system, which is part of the county's electronic health record (EHR) system. The consultant will provide specialized resources to manage the increased workload, alongside travel expenses of $36,000 to ensure on-site collaboration with staff and community agencies. After a brief public comment period, the committee moved to recommend the item to the full board, which passed with unanimous support.

The second item addressed was a resolution approving a 30-year water purchase agreement between the Port Commission and Mission Rock Utilities. This agreement, capped at approximately $44.6 million, is intended to supply non-potable water for parks and open spaces at Mission Rock. The water will be sourced from a black water treatment facility developed by Mission Rock Utilities, a nonprofit formed by the Mission Rock developer. The agreement aims to support sustainability goals by utilizing treated water for irrigation and other non-potable uses.

John King, the waterfront development manager, provided an overview of the Mission Rock project, which includes a mixed-use development with residential units, office space, and retail. The project is currently in its first phase, with significant progress made over the past five years. King emphasized the importance of the water strategy, which aligns with the city’s non-potable water ordinance.

During the discussion, concerns were raised regarding the higher costs associated with the recycled water compared to potable water, as well as the decision to limit the facility's service area to Mission Rock rather than a larger district. The committee acknowledged the trade-offs between environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

After further deliberation, the committee recommended the water purchase agreement for approval, highlighting the necessity of the agreement for the ongoing development and operation of the Mission Rock project.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing its health IT infrastructure and advancing sustainable development practices through strategic partnerships and agreements. The next steps will involve presenting these recommendations to the full board for final approval.