Residential Water Conservation
- calendar_today Effective:
- phone (415) 551-4730
- mail_outline Water Conservation Section waterconservation@sfwater.org
Purpose
To conserve water by ensuring efficient plumbing fixtures in residential buildings
Who Must Comply?
All residential properties sold after 2009, or in the process of selling or performing major interior improvements.
San Franciscans today have some of the lowest water use in California, but with long-term threats posed by climate change, we understand that supporting and developing local, state and national policy and legislation is an effective way to institutionalize water conservation.
Effective July 1, 2009, two ordinances updated local water efficiency laws for San Francisco properties: the Residential Water Conservation Ordinance and the Commercial Water Conservation Ordinance.
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How do I comply?
The Ordinance requires that all leaks must be repaired and that inefficient plumbing fixtures must be replaced with efficient fixtures that meet current California plumbing code.
- Showerheads with a maximum flow rate over 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) (Additionally, no showers may have more than one showerhead per valve)
- Faucets and faucet aerators with a maximum flow rate over 2.2 gpm
- Water closets (toilets) with a maximum rated water consumption over 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf)
Compliance with the requirements of the Residential Water Conservation Ordinance must be completed through the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) Housing Inspection Services. See a list of DBI certified inspectors. Your Realtor is a good source for more information on obtaining a Certificate of Compliance or to schedule an inspection, call DBI Housing Inspection Services at (628) 652-3700.
Need help?
If you have a specific question about compliance with the ordinance or other water conservation programs to help you comply, contact the SFPUC Water Conservation Section at waterconservation@sfwater.org.
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