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PUC says WSIP nearly complete but flags $42M forecast increase and schedule extension to 2021
Summary
SFPUC staff reported the Water System Improvement Program (WSIP) is about 95% complete, with a current overall cost forecast of $4.887 billion (about $42 million above the 2016 baseline) and a completion forecast of December 2021; staff plan an AB 1823 change notice and a March hearing.
Dan Wade, director of water capital projects and programs, briefed the Public Utilities Commission on Feb. 13 on capital variances and the status of the Water System Improvement Program (WSIP). Wade said the program is about 95% complete overall but that several projects require time and additional funding for close‑out and outstanding work.
Wade identified variances including an $8.6 million addition for powdered activated carbon at the Sonoma Valley Water Treatment Plant and a $4 million/16‑month variance for the San Andreas lockbar replacement driven by updated design and higher engineering cost estimates. The Calaveras microturbine project remains on hold pending outcomes of Alameda Creek operations; the Sunol yard administration building is over 30% complete and the watershed center would move forward if the budget is approved.
Wade said the overall WSIP cost forecast is $4,887,000,000, approximately $42 million above the March 2016 approval. He said staff have forecast active construction cost at roughly an 80% confidence level and plan to file a 30‑day AB 1823 change notice by month’s end and return to the commission in March for approval of necessary adjustments.
Tom Francis of consultant Bosco told the commission Bosco will review the materials and asked staff to re‑examine the $42 million figure now that the city's budget‑tracking software is functioning. Francis also requested extension of AB 1823 oversight if the WSIP schedule requires it.
Steve Ritchie, assistant general manager for water, told commissioners inspections of key transmission pipelines have returned reassuring results but emphasized that staff continuously inspect and will shift priorities if higher risks emerge.
Wade said testing and start‑up schedules for the regional groundwater storage and recovery project and fish‑passage facilities at Alameda Creek depend on flows, and that some projects require negotiation of conservation easements that could delay final completion activities. Staff said they will include WSIP needs in the 10‑year water CIP coming before the commission and will return with the change notice and hearing in March.
