The city’s drought response and resident efforts have resulted in a 13 percent reduction in annual water use, exceeding the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s voluntary goal of 10 percent. Irrigation was deactivated in select areas of city property and additional mulch applied around public trees. City maintenance crews saved approximately 2,000 gallons of water per year by filling City fountains with water from water main flushing operations. Approximately 10,000 gallons per year were saved by reusing stormwater for street power washing and a 25 percent reduction in city vehicle washing (the “A Little Dirt Wont’ Hurt” campaign) helps conserve about 78,000 gallons per year.

The city has also expanded the Lawn Be Gone rebate program, Conserve-A-Scape landscape design assistance being well received. Thus far, the Lawn Be Gone program’s third year has resulted in 52,500 square feet converted – nearly 36 times greater than its first year. This partnership between the city, single family residences, businesses and multifamily developments saves 1,720,531 gallons annually. The program’s long-term investment in drought tolerant landscaping is expected to yield water savings for years to come.