Clean, reliable water delivery is core to thriving in the San Francisco Bay Area. Molly Duggan Associates supports the San Francisco Public Utility Commission in their communications efforts to media, neighbors and other interested parties related to the Water System Improvement Program. The Water System Improvement Program includes more than 80 projects spanning more than seven counties—from the Central valley to downtown San Francisco.
Detail: The SFPUC, together with 26 wholesale customers, launched a $4.6 billion Water System Improvement Program (WSIP) to repair, replace, and seismically upgrade the San Francisco Regional Water System’s aging facilities. Built in the early to mid-1900s, many parts of the San Francisco Regional Water System, often referred to as the Hetch Hetchy System, are nearing the end of their working life, with crucial portions crossing over or near to three of the nation’s most active earthquake faults. The WSIP will reinforce vulnerable portions of the system to withstand an earthquake and enhance water treatment processes to ensure a reliable supply of water for our customers. For the current status of the program, refer to the latest Quarterly Report under Reports.
The WSIP is focused on creating long-lasting improvements to the water system infrastructure in order to ensure a reliable, high-quality source of water for 2.5 million plus residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the four Bay Area counties served. In addition, this improvement program will help to ensure that water will be available after a major earthquake. Some parts of the water system cross over or are near to three of the nation’s most active earthquake faults: the San Andreas, Hayward and Calaveras faults. A major earthquake on any of these faults would likely cut off most customers from their water service for at least 30 days, if not longer. One of the primary goals of the WSIP is to deliver water to 70 percent of customers within 24 hours of a major earthquake.
