The SFPUC has proposed drawing an additional 25 million gallons per day from the Tuolumne River by 2030 to meet rising demands. The project, totalling 4.3 billion dollars, would also increase protection against terrorism and earthquakes along the 167 mile aqueduct. The SFPUC does project rising usage from current 265 million gal/day to 300 million gal/day. This rise would impact the Tuolumne River area greatly, with already 60% of the total water output diverted to the Bay Area.

Conservation groups have emerged to challenge the SFPUC’s projections. The Tuolumne River Trust commissioned a report by the Pacific Institute to evaluate the projections. The report says 60% of the anticipated increased use is for outdoor use….i.e. watering lawns. Also, the report claims only 3% of demand will be met by recycling and reuse…significantly lower than other city agencies.

Takeaway: Conservation groups have a right to be mad. 60% increase in outdoor usage indicates failure in conservation efforts. No good. Personally, I think the extra allocation is a move to secure a long term contract in case supply dwindles (e.g. global warming), a reasonable strategy for the PUC.

At the same time, we should demand increased conservation education. If you’re going to have a nice lawn, you should be using efficient watering methods. Public comment is open through October 1…let your voice be heard!

More Info:
Pac Institute Report
Chronicle Article
SFPUC