SFPUC approves mandatory 10% outdoor irrigation cut for ornamental landscapes

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission voted to impose a mandatory 10% cut in outdoor irrigation of ornamental landscapes and turf by retail customers, as part of implementing emergency regulations adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board.

Assistant General Manager for Water Steve Ritchie told the commission the state adopted emergency regulations in mid‑July and the PUC is proposing a local implementation scheme that assigns allocations to about 1,600 dedicated irrigation accounts using a 2013 baseline. "The reduction does not apply to edible food gardens," Ritchie said, noting that the final state rule clarified that food production is exempt.

Why it matters: the measure implements state emergency rules that make certain uses of potable water “water waste” and authorizes enforcement up to $500 per infraction. The PUC plans to focus measurement and early enforcement on irrigation‑only accounts, which the staff said are the most tractable way to ensure measurable savings.

How it will work: irrigation‑only accounts will receive a monthly allocation letter showing their baseline and progress toward the 10% reduction. For other retail customers the agency will rely on bill messages and public education rather than per‑customer measurement. Staff said no excess water‑use charges will be assessed until the end of the fiscal year to allow customers to balance consumption across months.

Enforcement and appeals: Ritchie described a stepped education and enforcement program: an initial courtesy letter on a complaint, a documented second notice, an in‑person follow up with a door hanger, and citations reserved for severe or repeated violations. He said appeals of irrigation‑account allocations or citations would be handled through an administrative process with an appeal to the city controller’s office. "Citations can be issued under the existing San Francisco Administrative Code," Ritchie said, adding that evidence and documentation would be required and that general manager approval or a designee would sign off on citations.

Public reaction: Friday Apalisky, president of the Laguna Heights cooperative, said letting ornamental turf go brown when it is unused would send a clearer visual message about drought urgency. "When my co‑op walks by City Hall and sees green grass, they ask why they must brown theirs," she said, urging visible action. Commissioners asked staff to work with Rec and Park and other large users to minimize harm to significant landscape assets while still achieving conservation goals.

Next steps and vote: Commissioners Torres and Viator moved and seconded the motion to impose the mandatory 10% reduction. After public comment closed, President Courtney called the vote and "the ayes have it." Further details on excess‑use charges, including a staff proposal to charge two times the water rate for water used above the allocation from September through June, will return for formal action at the next meeting.

What’s next: staff will notify irrigation account holders, coordinate with wholesale customers and city departments, and present detailed excess‑use charge proposals and an appeals process for commission action at the August 26 meeting.