At almost every intersection in the City, over 25,000 catch basins help to capture stormwater when it rains. This stormwater runoff then goes into the same pipes that connect to household and business drains. This “combined sewer system” is what helps manage stormwater and protect public health and the environment and reduce the risk of…
Category: Rain Ready
Flood Resilience Top of Mind as SFPUC Prepares for Another Wet Weather Season
As San Francisco enters another wet weather season, there are more resources available than ever for residents and businesses to plan for major storms. The SFPUC and its partners will continue to advance a comprehensive approach to managing stormwater, providing customers with information and resources, and advancing the City’s integrated flood resilience actions across San…
Stormwatch and Strike Teams Prepare for the Rain
While San Francisco is expected to enjoy sunshine over the next week, the rain will soon return. Many people will plan for a rainy day by putting on rain boots or grabbing an umbrella, and the SFPUC’s Stormwatch Team plans to do much more. “Stormwatch” is the SFPUC’s term for storm preparation and response efforts…
Nearly 100,000 Tons of Sand Will be Moved for Interim Protection and Improved Beach Access
The SFPUC and the National Park Service (NPS), will begin sand management activities at Ocean Beach this month to address coastal erosion issues on the City’s westside. The initiative will begin this month and conclude by January 2020. As part of the project, the SFPUC is pursuing both short and long-term improvements along Ocean Beach…
How You Can Prepare for the Rainy Season
The rainy season is here and it is never too early to be prepared. Because San Francisco has a combined sewer system that collects and treats stormwater in addition to what is flushed down the toilets and goes down the sinks, the SFPUC ramps up its storm preparation and response efforts in advance of and…
Drain Adopters Help Reduce Flooding Issues in SF
Since the launch of San Francisco’s Adopt a Drain program in Fall 2016, the City’s 311 work orders for street flooding issues have reduced 36% below anticipated levels, illustrating the effectiveness of residents taking initiative and ownership of their drains. The Adopt a Drain program is one facet of the SFPUC’s comprehensive approach to planning…