Pioneering Innovative Technologies
Pioneering Innovative Technologies
SFPUC Headquarters at 525 Golden Gate Avenue and the Non-potable Program
A leader in pioneering new technologies to reduce water use and to reuse water , the SFPUC ’ s headquarters , located at 525 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco , incorporates two decentralized water systems and exemplifies OneWaterSF .
Our innovative constructed wetland system , located in the sidewalks around and inside the building , treats roughly 5,000 gallons of blackwater each day for toilet and urinal flushing . In addition to saving over one million gallons of potable water each year , our wetland treatment system is a unique and integrated design that engages the public . The rainwater harvesting system in the building captures rainwater from the roof and stormwater from the play area of the children ’ s day care center . The rainwater and stormwater is collected , treated , and stored in a 25,000 gallon tank . We use the water to irrigate the landscape adjacent to the building . The system reduces the amount of stormwater flows entering the City ’ s combined sewer system as well as saves potable water .
SFPUC Headquarters
The SFPUC is continuing to look to the future by leading a cutting edge effort to test the feasibility of purified water for San Francisco . This research project will add advanced treatment and monitoring to the onsite blackwater treatment system to produce purified water , which will not be used for drinking , but will help advance regulations .
The pioneering reuse projects at our headquarters were the impetus behind one of the Nation ’ s most cutting-edge onsite water reuse programs . Our Non-potable Water Program allows for the collection , treatment , and reuse of rainwater , stormwater , graywater , and blackwater at a building- or district-scale . The Program establishes a process for permitting the full spectrum of decentralized water systems , provides developers with tools for estimating a building ’ s demand and potential onsite supplies , and incorporates a grant program .
Our Non-potable Water Program represents the paradigm of OneWaterSF thinking . It creates opportunities for innovative use of the resources within the urban water cycle and applies the right water for the right use .
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