Accomplishing OneWaterSF
Engaging Our Communities
Putting Stormwater Runoff Back in the Ground
Downspout Disconnection
Disconnecting downspouts diverts rainwater away from San Francisco’s combined sewer system, reducing the volume of stormwater within
the combined system during rain events. This resource can be easily reused before entering the sewer system to help with landscape irrigation.
Diverting stormwater away from San Francisco’s combined sewer system reduces the energy and chemicals needed to treat the water. To help
educate the public on the benefits derived from rainwater collection, the SFPUC created manuals and resources on how to redirect rainwater
for landscape irrigation or rain barrel collection. This program has allowed the SFPUC to engage with our communities about the benefits of
downspout disconnection and beneficial stormwater reuse.
Promoting Showers for Flowers
Laundry-to-Landscape Program
Graywater is water from showers, bathtubs, washing machines, and bathroom sinks that contains some soap but is clean enough for some
end uses without treatment, such as irrigation. Graywater from laundry can be used to irrigate yards replacing the use of clean, potable
water, which can instead be reserved for consumption. In 2011, the SFPUC launched a new program designed to target residents eager to
help conserve potable water by reusing water used for washing clothes to irrigate front and back yards. The Laundry-to-Landscape Program
delivers graywater harvesting kits to San Francisco residents, so they have the tools and resources necessary to reuse the water. Along with the
kits, residents are given training on how to properly install and maintain these onsite systems. For customers who are interested in the program,
the SFPUC also offers on-site consultations. This program allows the SFPUC to engage with customers while also promoting efficiency.
Walking the Talk: Education in the Field
The College Hill Learning Garden is an education and demonstration garden that contains a range of features designed to teach local students
about how they can help cities transition to ecologically friendly water, food, energy, and waste systems. The Learning Garden features
numerous sustainable practices such rain gardens, native plants, water hand pumps, a green roof, and a composting toilet. Located in the
Bernal Heights neighborhood, the Learning Garden was built by the SFPUC and is operated in partnership with Education Outside, a local
nonprofit. Workshops and free field trips are available at the learning garden and are provided to any San Francisco school. The site-specific
Urban Stewards Program curriculum covers eight ecoliteracy topics ranging from Zero-Waste Cycles to Garden Planting. The College Hill
Learning Garden is one more way the SFPUC is doing its part to foster the next generation of environmental stewards.
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College Hill Learning Garden