While California’s snowpack is one of the largest ever and downtown San Francisco has seen 32.73 inches of rain during the current rain year, UCSF Facilities Services continues to conserve water and is looking at ways to collect and re-use stormwater and water in buildings.
UCSF Conservation Program Manager Eli Perszyk said despite the city receiving more than 159 percent of its normal rainfall this year, conserving water at UCSF remains a high priority. “Even though we have had an exceptional rainy season, California has been in a 20 year drought and is still at risk of long-term drought conditions,” he said.
Perszyk said Facilities Services will continue to operate under the emergency drought rules that have been in place since last winter. “The prohibition on outdoor washing with potable (drinkable) water continues through the end of the calendar year and irrigation rules are in effect through June,” he said.
Last May, the State Water Board adopted a second statewide emergency water conservation regulation that bans using potable water on decorative or non-functional grass at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties.
Perszyk said UCSF responded to the regulations by washing outdoor areas only for health and safety reasons and by washing building windows with recycled water. Functional turf areas are being irrigated at a reduced amount. “We will continue to do this as long as the state rules are in effect,” he said.
While California’s snowpack is one of the largest ever and downtown San Francisco has seen 32.73 inches of rain during the current rain year, UCSF Facilities Services continues to conserve water and is looking at ways to collect and re-use stormwater and water in buildings.
