The City of San Francisco held a significant meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on the introduction of a new water addendum chapter to the Climate Action Plan. The meeting began with a presentation from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), highlighting the collaborative efforts made over the past year and a half to address water supply challenges in the city.

The discussion was led by representatives from the water team, including Manisha Kothari and Julie Ortiz, who outlined the pressing issues facing San Francisco's water resources. They emphasized the importance of water as a vital resource and the challenges posed by climate change, aging infrastructure, and regulatory requirements. The team introduced a "1 water lens" approach, which aims to view water holistically, promoting the reuse of water and finding energy benefits.

Three key strategies were presented as part of the water supply program:

1. **Demand Management Programs**: The SFPUC has a long-standing conservation program designed to encourage efficient water use among customers. This includes financial incentives for replacing outdated fixtures, on-site assistance for leak detection, and educational outreach. The program has contributed to San Francisco having one of the lowest per capita water uses in California.

2. **Water Supply Augmentation Programs**: The team discussed the need for sustainable water supplies, particularly in light of increasing drought conditions. They highlighted the use of local groundwater and the ongoing construction of the Westside recycled water project, which will provide irrigation for large parks and golf courses, thereby conserving potable water for drinking.

3. **Innovative Programs**: The SFPUC is exploring innovative methods to reduce water use and develop new supplies. This includes expanding leak detection programs, implementing preventative measures to minimize water loss, and establishing partnerships for water reuse, such as with local breweries.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue developing these strategies to ensure a resilient water supply for San Francisco's future. The SFPUC plans to update its conservation master plan in 2025, further enhancing its efforts to manage water resources effectively. Overall, the discussions underscored the city's proactive approach to addressing water supply challenges in the face of climate change and infrastructure issues.