Night Work
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission has a comprehensive inspection program to assess the condition and expected life span of more than 1,250 miles of water pipes and about 1,900 miles of sewer mains and laterals within the City and County of San Francisco. In order to deliver water to San Francisco residents, businesses and visitors, as well as collect and treat wastewater 24 hours a day, every day of the year, we often have to work at night.
We work at night primarily for three main reasons:
- To accommodate the needs of neighborhood businesses (laundry, cleaners, restaurants etc.) who are impacted by interruptions of water service during the day.
- To minimize the impacts to traffic, bus service, bicycle and pedestrian traffic, or other City services to a neighborhood.
- An emergency failure has occurred that requires immediate repair.
Unfortunately, our work sometimes means noise, vibration, dust, and parking and traffic impacts.
During water system improvements, customers may experience low water pressure or a temporary water service interruption. Advance notice is provided, when possible. If you experience a water service interruption and your tap water appears brown when service is restored, open the COLD water tap nearest to your meter (the sidewalk) and let it run for 3 to 5 minutes. A tub spout or garden hose bib is best. If it is still brown, wait one hour and repeat.
Thank you for your patience and support as we improve the resiliency of your water and sewer system.
The following project list contains only planned night time water and sewer system improvement projects.
| DATE | LOCATION | TIME | Weekend? | System | After Hours Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 31 to July 31 | Jerrold Avenue between Rankin Street and Quint Street | 7 pm to 5 am | Yes | Sewer System Improvements | PG&E, 415-238-2425 |
| July 13 to July 28 | Intersection of Howard Street at 6th Street | 8 pm to 6 am | No | Water System Improvements | 311 |
| July 23 to Aug 8 | Fell Street between Masonic Avenue and Ashbury Street | 8 pm to 6 am | No | Water System Improvements | 311 |
| July 27 to July 28 | 3rd Street and Berry Street | 7 pm to 7 am | No | Sewer System Improvements | Pullman SST Inc, 669-223-0912 |
| July 27 to Aug 1 | 4th Street and Channel Street | 7 pm to 7 am | No | Sewer System Improvements | Pullman SST Inc, 669-223-0912 |
| Aug 3 to Aug 18 | Post Street between Taylor and Jones streets | 8 pm to 6 am | No | Water System Improvements | 311 |
| Aug 7 to Aug 16 | 9th Street between Mission Street and Minna Street | 7 pm (Friday) to 7 pm (Monday) | Yes | Sewer System Improvements | Precision Engineering, 415-760-8744 |
| Aug 12 to Aug 27 | Parnassus Avenue at Hill Point Avenue | 8 pm to 6 am | No | Water System Improvements | 311 |
Can't find the project you're looking for? It is likely that an emergency failure has occurred that requires immediate repair. To find out, please contact the City’s 311 Customer Service Center online at sf311.org or by using the free mobile app; and if you prefer by phone at 311.
Report an Emergency
If you are experiencing a water or sewer emergency or service problem, call our 24-hour hotline at 3-1-1 or log on at www.sf311.org.
This includes problems that you may be experiencing with the following:
- No water service
- Low water pressure
- Issues with taste, odor or color of your water
- Sewer backups
- Clogged catch basins
- Flooding
- Wastewater odors