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SFPUC: No mandatory rationing expected; 10% voluntary conservation to continue
Summary
Deputy General Manager Michael Carlin told the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission the system is about 79% full overall and abundant Sierra snowpack makes capture likely; staff recommended continuing a 10% voluntary conservation target and said mandatory rationing is not expected this year.
Michael Carlin, deputy general manager for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, told commissioners on April 17 that updated snowpack and reservoir figures (data current to April 16) have improved the utility’s supply outlook.
"So the take home message is we will not have to have mandatory rationing this year," Carlin said, adding that prereleases may be required to protect downstream facilities while the department works to capture as much runoff as possible. He reported total system storage at about 79% and local system storage at approximately 93% while noting New Don Pedro Reservoir downstream may not fill this year.
Carlin said the utility expects a large portion of water remains in Sierra snowpack and that staff will try to modulate releases to balance supply, hydroelectric production and ecosystem benefits. He recommended the commission authorize the general manager to continue the existing 10% voluntary conservation target, citing observed customer savings of about 12–13% so far.
The presentation included a briefing on snow-course models and an explanation that capture depends partly on the pace of melt and operational prereleases. Commissioners asked for clarification on downstream storage and the mechanics of prereleases; Carlin said those decisions hinge on runoff timing and safety of facilities.
The commission affirmed continuation of the 10% voluntary conservation request.
