San Francisco Public Utilities Commission approves $298 million for Harry Tracy Water Treatment upgrades

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on significant funding and environmental considerations for the Harry Tracy Water Treatment Plant Long Term Improvement Project. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proposed the release of $298 million in reserve funds to support the construction of this critical infrastructure project.

Ed Harrington, the general manager of the PUC, and Julie Labonte, director of the water system improvement program, presented the details of the project. They emphasized the importance of the Harry Tracy Water Treatment Plant in enhancing the regional water system's seismic response, delivery reliability, water quality, and supply capacity. The project aims to increase the plant's treatment capacity to 160 million gallons per day, ensuring readiness within 24 hours of a major seismic event on the San Andreas Fault.

The meeting also addressed the adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which included a mitigated monitoring and reporting program. The planning department had previously certified the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project, which is essential for moving forward with construction.

Key improvements planned for the plant include seismic and structural upgrades, the addition of five new filters, and the construction of a large treated water reservoir to replace two existing reservoirs that are now deemed seismically vulnerable. The project is crucial not only for enhancing water treatment capabilities but also for addressing potential hazards associated with a newly discovered seismic fault in the area.

The approval of these measures marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and reliability of San Francisco's water supply system. The PUC is now poised to advance the project into the construction phase, reinforcing the region's infrastructure against seismic risks.