Seismic Work Ending at Reservoir

By Jonathan Farrell

A favorite spot for runners and dog walkers is that sloping span of lawn that is a part of the Sunset Reservoir on Ortega Street between 24th and 28th avenues. Built in the '30s during the Great Depression, the reservoir has been an integral part of the water storage and distribution system for more than 70 years.

The reservoir supplies more than 60 percent of the city's drinking water. Since the Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989, concerns about the reservoir's stability have become a priority with the California Department of Water Resources' Division of Safety of Dams as it did a review of all water systems statewide.

As a result, the SF Public Utilities Commission (PUC) determined that the soil underneath the embankment, supporting the concrete lined reservoir, was prone to liquidize in the event of another earthquake.

The Sunset Reservoir North Basin Seismic Retrofit is anticipated for completion by the fall of 2008.

During the past three years, residents have witnessed a major dismantling and then rebuilding of the site as the Shimmick Construction Company works continuously on the $42 million project.

In 2002, a bond measure was approved to repair, replace and seismically upgrade the Hetch Hetchy water system. Sunset Reservoir is part of that system and is included in the 77 capital improvement projects identified by the PUC.

While construction has been underway, PUC has been eager to inform the public of each step and to obtain input about the project.

In March, members of the PUC made out-reach visits to the community. Dozens gathered at the site March 12 and then again for a more detailed presentation March 18 at the Taraval Police Station.

Suzanne Gautier, Amy Sinclair, Lori Mitchell and John Doyle of the PUC were present to speak to residents and listen to their comments.

"In October we asked over 300 neighbors to complete a survey regarding lighting for the reservoir; primarily along the north-west side of the embankment," said Sinclair, who serves as the PUC's communications representative.

"Seventy percent were in favor, yet some are against it," she said.

The PUC will not make any final decisions without public input.

Proposals are also being sought for solar panels to be installed.

"A solar photo-voltaic system would cover the north part of the upgraded reservoir," said Doyle. He mentioned that the City uses about 900 megawatts of power, 140 of which is supplied by the PUC through its hydroelectric facility at Hetch Hetchy.

For more information, call the SFPUC at (415) 554-3289.