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SFPUC reports system storage at about 57%; officials say 10% conservation target largely met
Summary
Assistant General Manager Steve Ritchie reported Hetch Hetchy storage at about 73%, Water Bank near 44% and total system storage around 57%. He said the commission’s customers achieved most of the 10% conservation target this year but warned conservation into next year may be necessary depending on precipitation.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission received an update on the drought from Assistant General Manager Steve Ritchie, who reported the system’s reservoir and storage status and outlined potential scenarios for the coming water year.
Ritchie said Hetch Hetchy was at about 73% of capacity, the Water Bank at nearly 44%, and total system storage roughly 57%. He reported the city had lowered Hetch Hetchy reservoir storage by approximately 84,000 acre‑feet since July 1 and had added about 50,000 acre‑feet to water banks. Ritchie credited customers inside and outside San Francisco with near‑target savings toward the commission’s goal of a 10% demand reduction, saying, in his words, “we calculated we needed to save about 8,000,000,000 gallons of water this year to achieve a 10% reduction, and we did that.”
Looking ahead, Ritchie said precipitation will determine whether conservation measures can relax next year or whether additional measures will be necessary. He said staff is already discussing contingencies to reach higher savings if required and that April will be a clearer milestone for next-year planning.
