Emergency Firefighting Water System Upgrade Program

Improvements to the Emergency Firefighting Water System will be made as part of the $412 million Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response Bond

After a major earthquake, the San Francisco Emergency Firefighting Water System (also known as the Auxiliary Water Supply System or AWSS) is vital for protecting against the loss of life, homes and businesses, by providing an additional layer of fire protection to supplement the domestic water system. The system delivers water at high pressure and includes approximately 200 cisterns, two pump stations, two storage tanks, one reservoir, and approximately 135 miles of pipes.

The Emergency Firefighting Water System Program has three major project outcomes:

• Improved reliability of the firefighting water supply system, particularly following a major earthquake or other major emergency.
  
• Repairs, replacement, and improvements to the most vulnerable components of the Emergency Firefighting Water System underground pipe network.
  
• The addition of approximately 30 cisterns that provide an emergency source of water for firefighting.
  

Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2013 and the program completed in 2018.
The First Phase of Construction will begin with the installation of 16 new cisterns for fire protection and is anticipated to begin by summer 2013 in the following neighborhoods: Bayview, Excelsior, Merced Manor, Outer Sunset, Portola, St. Francis Wood, Richmond and Westwood Highlands. Installation of all 16 cisterns will not occur simultaneously and it is anticipated that construction will last approximately 4 months per cistern location. More detailed information will be provided to nearby residents and local businesses prior to construction.

What to Expect
The SFPUC will communicate with all nearby residents and businesses prior to and during construction. You may see crews performing survey work in your neighborhood in preparation for construction.

Emergency Fire Fighting Water System FAQ
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