Water Resources Division Annual Report FY 2016-2017 | Page 17

CUSTOMER WATER USE TOOLS
The My Account web portal allows customers to view their water use, track their progress
toward meeting conservation targets and view and pay their water bills electronically.
Since its launch in 2014, registration for My Account has steadily increased to almost
62,000 users, or about 35% of the retail customer base. My Account was upgraded in
fall 2017 to provide customers with water use data for every hour, in addition to a total
daily water use summary. Reviewing hourly data can help customers see when leaks
occur. Account holders can register at myaccount.sfwater.org.
LEAK ALERT PROGRAM
Automated water meters are now in place for about 98% of San  Francisco’s
approximately 178,000 water accounts, providing the SFPUC with hourly water
consumption data. The SFPUC developed a leak detection program to notify single
family customers whose water meters recorded continuous use for three or more days.
Through this program, 26,000 postcards were sent to 7,200 single family customers,
about 6% of our single family account holders, indicating they may have a leak and
should inspect their indoor plumbing fixtures and irrigation system. Approximately
76% of the homes notified addressed the leaks within four weeks. In September 2017,
the SFPUC expanded its leak detection program to alert customers with continuous
use by phone call, voicemail, text message, e-mail and letter. The SFPUC will also be
exploring potential high usage alerts for non-residential customers.
WATER CONSERVATION IN SCHOOLS
The SFPUC is committed to fostering the next generation of environmental stewards
by providing the communities we serve with educational resources. In FY 2016-17, we
continued to offer free teacher resources, including curriculum designed to teach 3rd
to 5th grade students how they can help protect our natural resources and prevent
pollution. In total there were 55 classroom presentations and 30 field trips to water-
wise demonstration gardens.
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