P2 Weekly Tip: Keep Storm Drains Clean during Rainstorms

P2 Weekly Tip: The rain is come down! Now is the time to start thinking about what belongs down the catch basins (storm and sewer drains). Don't dump waste in or around catch basins -- report any illegal dumping or potential storm water pollutants to 3-1-1.

Did you know? You can also help keep the catch basins clean by removing leaves and other debris from top of catch basins. Never attempt to remove anything below the grid and call 3-1-1 for clogged catch basins.

Rain Storm Expected Starting Saturday, January 16 throughout next week!

With rain, wind gusts and heavy storms forecasted to hit the Bay Area the weekend of January 16 through next week, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and Department of Public Works (DPW) today is issuing a “Flood Risk Alert” to encourage residents and businesses in low-lying flood-prone areas to prepare for potential flooding. The City has also put critical departments and storm weather responders on standby in anticipation of the storm event.

City crews are deployed throughout the city inspecting and cleaning catch basins as a precautionary measure to prepare for and prevent flooding. Additional crews will be on standby through the week to reduce potential emergency response times.

The City urges San Francisco residents and businesses in flood-prone areas, and those who live or work in below-grade properties, to proactively position sandbags and call 3-1-1 to report any blocked or clogged storm drains or catch basins immediately. DPW is providing San Franciscans up to 10 free filled or unfilled sandbags at the DPW Operations Yard, 2323 Cesar Chavez Blvd. (enter at Kansas and Marin Streets), Monday-Sunday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Residents must show proof of residency at the time of pickup.

In addition, after completing a number of major capital projects in flood-prone areas, the SFPUC in 2010 is scheduled to begin construction on flood improvement projects in the Mission and Sunnydale areas. The SFPUC is also conducting a series of public workshops to define sewer projects for their long-term capital program to address aging infrastructure, seismic reliability, and neighborhood flooding. These monthly workshops are scheduled to continue through Spring 2010. More information about the workshops and the sewer system can be found at www.sfsewers.org.

Citizens should call the City’s Customer Service Center 3-1-1 for more information about the free sandbag program or to report clogged storm drains/catch basins, flooding emergencies, and sewer backups. When safe, residents are also encouraged to push aside leaves or trash that may be obstructing the flow of stormwater into storm drains. Additional flooding tips and information can be found on www.sfdpw.org.

P2 Weekly Tip: Keep Pests Out of Your Home

Simple preventive measures discourage over 50% of your unwanted pest problem. Here are some tips to prevent pests:

• Wipe counters and sweep regularly to keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs.



• Keep your stove area clean and free of cooking grease.



• Compost food scraps or seal waste in plastic bags and place in container with tight fitting lid. Empty garbage frequently and place in closed can or dumpster.

SFPUC and ARCSA Present a FREE Rainwater Harvesting Workshop

The American Rainwater Capture Systems Association (ARCSA) and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) are partnering to present a FREE three-hour Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting Workshop on Saturday, January 23, in San Francisco. In addition, ARCSA will present several day-long and multi-day intensive rainwater harvesting and accreditation workshops throughout the Bay Area (click here for more information on ARCSA’s Bay Area intensive workshops).

SAN FRANCISCO WORKSHOP:

The FREE San Francisco course is open to San Francisco residents who are interested in learning more about rainwater harvesting in non-potable applications, such as landscape irrigation. Instructors will provide an overview of rainwater harvesting, history, uses and applicability to conserving rainfall as a natural resource. Concepts and techniques are introduced on harvesting rain for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and wildlife management.

Foodstuffs will not be permitted in the classroom, therefore be sure to eat beforehand.

This workshop is open to San Francisco residents only.

WORKSHOP DETAILS:

When: Saturday, January 23, 10am – 1pm
Where: San Francisco City and County Fair Building, 1199 – 9th Avenue (at Lincoln)
Cost/Fee: This is a free event.
Parking: Weekend parking can be difficult in this area. Public transit is recommended.
Nearby MUNI Lines: N Judah, 44, 71, 16

RESERVATIONS

Seating is limited!! Pre-register to ensure your spot!! To pre-register, send your (1) full name, (2) mailing address, (3) email address and (4) phone number to:

Kenya Briggs
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
kbriggs@sfwater.org
415-554-0715

Still in Stock!

The SFPUC’s discounted rain barrel program is going strong! With the current string of storms sweeping through the Bay Area, now is the perfect time to begin harvesting the rain.

If you’re a San Francisco resident, you can buy up to 10 rain barrels at steep discounts. Save $30 off your first barrel and $50 off each additional barrel – or apply your discounts towards a cistern! (Rain barrels retail for $119.)

This program is offered exclusively through The Urban Farmer Store in San Francisco. Learn more!

We've Gone Digital!

Digital Currents, the SFPUC’s new electronic magazine, launches today! Subscribe now!

Digital Currents offeres an easy, online means to stay abreast of the SFPUC's green initiatives, water conservation efforts and regional infrastructure projects.

Through the end of February, 2010 everyone who subscribes to digital Currents will be entered into a raffle to win an “I Love SF Water” t-shirt!

Log on and see why we’re more vivid, more vital – more Current!