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SFPUC reports steady Hetch Hetchy levels but flags capital‑project delays
Summary
SFPUC told commissioners Hetch Hetchy reservoir is around 72% and city per‑capita use remains low (~41 gallons/day). Staff reported schedule delays and cost increases on several water and power capital projects, attributing some delays to environmental permitting and interdepartmental coordination.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission received an update on water supply conditions and capital‑project status.
Steve Ritchie, Assistant General Manager for Water, reported Hetch Hetchy reservoir levels remain about 72 percent and cited recent precipitation and an encouraging Sierra snow forecast. He said San Francisco retail customers continue to be among the lowest per‑capita users in the Bay Area, with October per‑capita use near 41 gallons per day.
Staff then summarized capital project schedule and cost issues: Lower Cherry Aqueduct is delayed by environmental permitting; Cherry Dam Outlet Works required added construction funding; a small set of powerhouse and efficiency projects show cost increases and schedule delays in part because work depends on other city departments (e.g., Title 24 energy projects and DPW coordination). Oceanside Plant solids‑handling work is delayed ~6 months due to greater corrosion repairs than anticipated.
Commissioners asked staff to produce concrete timelines and noted the importance of pursuing energy‑efficiency projects—asking staff to return with firm completion schedules and to push other departments for responsiveness where coordination is required.
