Constructed wetland treatment system at the SFPUC headquarters
Being Responsive to an Evolving Business Industry
Changing Business Practices
The SFPUC has implemented a number of innovative programs in recent years , including the Non-potable Water Program and the Stormwater Management Ordinance . As customer participation in these programs has increased , our staff has acquired specialized skills to provide program development and technical assistance . Out of this work , new areas of service have emerged . For example , based on our specialized experience building and operating the on-site wastewater treatment system at our headquarters , the SFPUC has been collaborating with the private development community to provide expert advice for other decentralized treatment facilities being implemented in San Francisco . Implementing this Initiative fosters collaboration across the organization which results in efficient use of our staffing and financial resources and allows us to continue providing quality customer service in emerging program areas . This OneWaterSF Initiative would create a forum to review emerging business areas and specialized services provided by the SFPUC , and identify new business practices to respond to these opportunities .
Advancing the Science of Purified Water
PureWaterSF
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Purified Water Research
The SFPUC is a leader in the innovative use of water in an urban setting . We have developed the Non-potable Water Program , which allows for the treatment and use of alternate water sources for non-potable applications in buildings . We also operate our own on-site treatment system at our headquarters , which treats the building ’ s used water for toilet and urinal flushing . This OneWaterSF Initiative expands upon previous efforts by researching the potential to create purified water at a building scale . Through a partnership with Water Research Foundation , Water Environment & Reuse Foundation and the U . S . Bureau of Reclamation , this Initiative will add advanced treatment processes to the SFPUC ’ s existing system to study the potential of producing purified water at a building scale . Once the water is tested for research data , the treated water will be returned for toilet flushing in the building . This Initiative is an example of pursuing partnerships to conduct applied research that advance innovation and science in the water industry .