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PUC adopts water-efficient irrigation rules and urges Board of Supervisors to pass ordinance
Summary
The commission adopted proposed water-efficient irrigation rules, heard supportive public testimony from Sierra Club and Clean Water Action, and asked staff for follow-up reporting to ensure city departments comply with the new standards.
The commission adopted proposed SFPUC rules for water-efficient irrigation and forwarded an urging resolution to the Board of Supervisors and the mayor to sign the proposed ordinance.
Staff described clarifying amendments added to the packet. Speakers from the Sierra Club and Clean Water Action testified in support, noting the ordinance aligns with model templates and can reduce outdoor water use; Clean Water Action urged follow-up reporting to ensure large landscape customers, including city departments, comply.
Commissioners asked staff to include estimates of water savings expressed as dollars per acre-foot where feasible and to monitor large landscape compliance. The measure passed on a voice vote after being moved and seconded.
Why it matters: Landscape irrigation is a substantial component of nonresidential and residential outdoor water use; the ordinance aims to establish design standards and enforcement mechanisms to reduce outdoor consumption and help the city meet conservation goals.
