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Sewer

Pumped up for Upgrades: Sea Cliff Sewer Improvements

  • Marina Garcia

It’s not every day that crews who are working on upgrading miles of sewer lines underneath San Francisco get to work with a stunning view. The Sea Cliff neighborhood is legendary for its historical houses and beach access to the Pacific Ocean through China Beach.

Upgrading our Combined System

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) launched two projects in the neighborhood last year, Seacliff 1 & 2 Pump Station and Force Main Upgrades. Originally built in the 1930-40's, the Seacliff pump stations provide essential stormwater and sewer services to parts of the Sea Cliff area and connect to the existing sewers under El Camino Del Mar Drive, and ultimately to the SFPUC's Oceanside Treatment Plant. Both projects are focused on upgrading the pump station facilities and force mains for each location.

Pumping towards Success

The SFPUC's combined sewer system is mostly gravity operated, but in some parts of the City, pump stations are necessary to pump combined wastewater flows to treatment facilities. This type of equipment is needed to help the SFPUC's system provide adequate sewer services to the Sea Cliff neighborhood. The pump station doesn’t get all the credit, though!

Seacliff Avenue Pump Station & Force Main Upgrade and Seacliff 1 Pump Station.
Seacliff Avenue Pump Station & Force Main Upgrade and Seacliff 1 Pump Station.

To convey the flows, from the pump stations, force mains are the pressurized pipes that help move flows from the pump station and through the system.

It takes Two to Trench

During the duration of Seacliff Avenue work, SFPUC led project teams and crews coordinated and worked alongside other active construction in the area. The National Park Services has been steadily advancing on upgrading their own facilities on China Beach. The National Park Service and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy are leading a $25 million effort to rehabilitate this park site, with construction currently ongoing.

Keeping the Flow Moving – for Everyone

Both Seacliff 1 & 2 pump station facilities are approaching completed construction status, with both locations anticipated to be finished with the sewer upgrades in the area in late 2026. To learn more about these projects, please visit sfpuc.gov/seacliffpumps.