SFPUC to declare water shortage and request 10% regional usage reduction

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) held a meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on the city's water supply and conservation efforts amid ongoing drought conditions. The meeting began with a presentation from the SFPUC's water resources division, highlighting the current state of regional water storage, which is at approximately 60% capacity—significantly lower than the typical 82% for this time of year.

In response to the worsening drought, the SFPUC plans to seek approval from its commission on November 9 to declare a local water shortage emergency. This declaration would allow the agency to access additional resources and implement a regional system-wide water use reduction of 10% from 2019-2020 levels. While the overall reduction target is set at 10%, it is anticipated that San Francisco may be asked to contribute a smaller percentage, potentially around 5%.

The presentation emphasized the city's low per capita water use, which is among the lowest in the state, and noted that ongoing drought outreach has led to positive customer responses and water savings. The SFPUC has a comprehensive retail water conservation program that includes various incentives, educational outreach, and mandates aimed at promoting water efficiency among residents and businesses.

Key conservation measures discussed include requirements for replacing outdated plumbing fixtures, efficient landscaping practices, and permanent bans on certain types of water waste. The SFPUC also offers financial incentives for water-efficient upgrades, such as a toilet replacement program and water-wise evaluations for both indoor and outdoor settings.

Commissioners expressed interest in further data regarding water usage among city departments and commercial sectors, as well as geographical distribution of residential water use. They requested a follow-up presentation in November to address these inquiries comprehensively, including the status of the city's aquifers and the impact of drought on groundwater supplies.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the SFPUC to provide additional information and continue the dialogue on water conservation efforts in San Francisco.