The original O’Shaughnessy Dam was 226 feet above riverbed. It was raised from its original height in 1938. Today the O’Shaughnessy Dam is 312 feet above riverbed and 430 feet above bedrock. Below is a bedrock contour map developed for the dam. This illustration is taken from Contract No. 61, “For the Construction of Hetch…
Category: Infrastructure
Completion of Baker Beach Green Streets Project Will Help Manage 2.6 Million Gallons of Stormwater Each Year
For the SFPUC, green infrastructure projects like Baker Beach Green Streets represent the future of San Francisco. Green infrastructure projects help manage the City’s stormwater more efficiently and sustainably, while also making communities more connected and livable. Completion of the Baker Beach Green Streets project and a series of green infrastructure improvements will help manage…
How a Little-Known Powerhouse Keeps San Francisco Running
Moccasin Powerhouse is situated near the base of beautiful rolling hills along a creek in Tuolumne County 130 miles east of San Francisco. Unbeknownst to many a visitor passing by, it is a vital resource in the City & County of San Francisco’s Regional Water and Power System. One of three hydroelectric power plants operated…
Now Offered: New Virtual Tours of SFPUC Facilities and Watershed Properties
With the coronavirus pandemic preventing in-person visits to the SFPUC’s sites, the agency is embarking on an innovative new program that will offer virtual tours of its watersheds, facilities and other properties, including some locations that never been visited before by the public. By moving to virtual tours, the SFPUC can still connect with residents…
A Look Back in History: Upgrading Radio Services in 1943
In mid 1943, wartime caution was in the air and the Peninsula Superintendent. For the San Francisco Water Department, it was warning against “trouble” and promoting new communications technology for the San Mateo Sheriff Office. In 1943, a Superintendent of the Water Department contacted the Federal Communications Commission to endorse the San Mateo County Sheriff’s…
SFPUC Installs New Equipment to Help Customers on Treasure Island
The SFPUC, along with the Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA), is working to install new equipment and improve power reliability on Treasure Island. Specifically, the goals are to limit outages, minimize the number of customers affected by outages that do occur, and improve repair times. The SFPUC began the process last month with the installation…