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Residential Water Conservation

What you need to know if you are selling or remodeling a residential property.

The most effective way to save water indoors is to replace old plumbing fixtures with new, water-efficient ones and to fix leaks quickly. State law and Chapter 12A of the San Francisco Housing Code require residential properties to meet water efficiency requirements when they sell or remodel. Housing Code updates effective January 2026 changed the water efficiency rates required for existing toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators.

What is Required?

Check the flow rate of plumbing fixtures in your property. Fixtures that don’t meet the efficiency rates at the time of sale or remodel must be replaced. Compliance with Housing Code requirements must be completed through the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) Housing Inspection Services. Contact DBI to schedule a compliance inspection. To comply:

  • Toilets must have a flow rate of 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or lower.
  • Showerheads must have a flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute (gpm) or lower.   
  • Faucets and faucet aerators must have a flow rate of 1.8 gpm or lower.
  • Any plumbing leaks must be repaired. 

For more information, visit DBI’s website, call DBI Housing Inspection Services at (628) 652-3700, or email jose.e.lopez@sfgov.org.

Need Water Conservation Help?

If you have questions about SFPUC conservation programs email waterconservation@sfwater.org or call 415-551-4730.