WATER USE ALTERNATIVES RAIN BARRELS LAUNDRY TO LANDSCAPE

WATER USE ALTERNATIVES: RAIN BARRELS & LAUNDRY TO LANDSCAPE STEVEN PANELLI, DBI CHIEF PLUMBING INSPECTOR JOHN SCARPULLA, SFPUC PROJECT MANAGER MAY 21, 2015, SFPUC – 525 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE, 2 ND FLOOR

Agenda • Role of Agencies • Residential Rainwater Harvesting • Residential Laundry to Landscape (graywater) • Q and A 2

Role of Agencies • Department of Building Inspection – Code compliance – Regulatory enforcement • SF Public Utilities Commission – Program incentives 3

• Decrease the volume of potable water used for non-potable applications • Broaden San Francisco’s water portfolio • Decrease the burden on San Francisco’s combined sewer system • Help reduce flooding and combined sewer discharges • Reduce energy used for pumping and treating stormwater 4

Rainwater Regulatory Information “Roofs, inner courts, vent shafts, light wells or similar areas having rainwater drains, shall discharge directly into a building drain or building sewer, or to an approved alternate location. ” – SF Plumbing Code Section 306. 2. 5

Rain Barrel Requirements • Permit required • Level ground • Chapter 17 of California Plumbing Code – Rainwater Harvesting Systems 6

Installation & Maintenance • Strapping barrels • Overflow locations • Soils/saturated areas • Space/area collation • Maintenance of system • Awareness of weather impacts 7

DBI Permitting Process • Homeowner vs Licensed Contractor • Over-the-Counter (1660 Mission St, 5 th Fl) 8

Rain Barrel Subsidy Program • SFPUC will subsidize up to 2 rain barrels or 1 cistern to SF residents • Permit requirements • Next program expected to start in Fall ‘ 15 9

Graywater Systems 10

Target simple low tech systems Graywater Design Manual Laundry to Landscape Program Rebates for permitted systems Outreach and Education 11

Graywater System Requirements • Permit Requirements • Chapter 16 of CA Plumbing Code • Specific Construction Requirements • Laundry to Landscape requirements 12

Laundry-to-Landscape (L 2 L) Program 13

Laundry-to-Landscape (L 2 L) Program Purpose • Assess feasibility, collect data 1 and 2 -unit homes • Subsidy toward L 2 L kits • Free training, manual, on-site tech support • Free tool lending Requirements • San Francisco resident • Working laundry machine • Flat or down sloping yard • Install within 60 days • Access for inspection • Participation in survey 14

L 2 L Kit Components • • 3 -way valve Adaptors Pipe Hose clamp Straps, anchors Autovent Sample detergent 15

Complex Greywater System 16

Rebates for Permitted Systems Up to $225 rebate off permit fees for residential graywater systems used for subsurface/rainwater irrigation 17

Additional Water Saving Tips • Replace older toilets and clothes washers with new water-efficient models – rebates available. • Install water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators – available for FREE from SFPUC. • Fix leaks! If your toilet has a leak you could be wasting up to 200 gallons of water a day! • Shorten your shower time. • Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. • Run full loads in the dishwasher or clothes washer. • Reduce outdoor watering to as little as possible (or to no watering at all!) 18

Wrap Up • Designs aren’t typical to all residential properties • Some installations are easier than others • Scope out area and plan out steps to ensure adequate space and installation requirements 19

Questions? 20

Contact Us Permitting/Installation – Steve Panelli, DBI Chief Plumbing Inspector Steven. Panelli@sfgov. org 415 -558 -6058 Program Incentives/Rebates – SFPUC Water Conservation Team Landscape@sfwater. org 21