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SFPUC presents emergency firefighting water system plan; West Side coverage, cisterns and $4 billion buildout discussed
Summary
Assistant General Manager Steve Ritchie outlined San Francisco's Emergency Firefighting Water System (EFWS), describing high‑ and low‑pressure hydrants, cisterns, pump stations and a 2021 planning estimate that full city coverage could cost at least $4 billion by 2046; commissioners discussed interim cistern use and a $145 million potable share in the 10‑year CIP.
Steve Ritchie, Assistant General Manager for Water, gave an overview of San Francisco's Emergency Firefighting Water System (EFWS), explaining its purpose, components and recent upgrades. He described three primary water sources for the EFWS (Twin Peaks Reservoir, Ashbury Tank and Jones Street Tank), a high‑pressure network of hydrants (approximately 1,300) and 8,552 low‑pressure hydrants attached to the potable system. Ritchie said the city has about 9,887 total hydrants and described a network of buried cisterns—70,000‑gallon tanks—used as a last line of defense; he noted 154 cisterns as of 2010 and that the PUC has added about 30 more recently.
Ritchie reviewed improvements since 2010, including new cistern placement (focused on the West Side), pipeline work, pump station upgrades and fireboat manifold capability. He said the EFWS is designed for major emergencies rather than daily use and described testing and exercises with the Fire Department. On potential full city hard‑piping for EFWS coverage, Ritchie referenced a 2021 planning study that estimated a buildout cost of at least $4 billion by 2046 and noted such a program would likely require general fund support and major city policy decisions.
Commissioners asked operational questions: pump stations run on electricity with backup generators; the fire department has hose tenders and pumps to access cisterns though they cannot reach every cistern at once; the portable potable firefighting line and a proposed potable emergency firefighting water system would serve normal potable needs while being convertible in emergencies. Ritchie said the SFPUC has programmed $145 million in the 10‑year capital improvement program for the potable share of this work, with larger construction activity beginning in 2026.
The presentation stressed coordination with the Fire Department, regular drills, and the need to balance cost, coverage and operational constraints. Ritchie said, "We don't know when, but it's probably a matter of when rather than if" a large conflagration might occur, underscoring the need for preparedness. He offered to return with further technical details if requested.
Ending: Commissioners thanked staff for the briefing and urged continued planning and coordination with the Fire Department and other partners before any large capital decisions.
