water use alternatives: rain barrels & laundry to landscape steven panelli, dbi chief plumbing...

WATER USE ALTERNATIVES: RAIN BARRELS & LAUNDRY TO LANDSCAPE

STEVEN PANELLI, DBI CHIEF PLUMBING INSPECTORJOHN SCARPULLA, SFPUC PROJECT MANAGER

MAY 21, 2015, SFPUC – 525 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR

Agenda

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• Role of Agencies• Residential

Rainwater Harvesting

• Residential Laundry to Landscape (graywater)

• Q and A

Role of Agencies

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• Department of Building Inspection – Code compliance– Regulatory enforcement

• SF Public Utilities Commission– Program incentives

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• Decrease the volume of potable water used for non-potable applications

• Broaden San Francisco’s water portfolio

• Decrease the burden on San Francisco’s combined sewer system

• Help reduce flooding and combined sewer discharges

• Reduce energy used for pumping and treating stormwater

Rainwater Regulatory Information

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“Roofs, inner courts, vent shafts, light wells or similar areas having rainwater drains, shall discharge directly into a building drain or building sewer, or to an approved alternate location.” – SF Plumbing Code Section 306.2.

Rain Barrel Requirements

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• Permit required• Level ground• Chapter 17 of

California Plumbing Code – Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Installation & Maintenance

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• Strapping barrels• Overflow

locations• Soils/saturated

areas• Space/area

collation• Maintenance of

system• Awareness of

weather impacts

DBI Permitting Process

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• Homeowner vs Licensed Contractor• Over-the-Counter (1660 Mission St, 5th Fl)

Rain Barrel Subsidy Program

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• SFPUC will subsidize up to 2 rain barrels or 1 cistern to SF residents

• Permit requirements• Next program expected to start in Fall ‘15

Graywater Systems

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Target simple low tech systems

Graywater Design ManualLaundry to Landscape

ProgramRebates for permitted

systemsOutreach and Education

Graywater System Requirements

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• Permit Requirements

• Chapter 16 of CA Plumbing Code

• Specific Construction Requirements

• Laundry to Landscape requirements

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Laundry-to-Landscape (L2L) Program

Laundry-to-Landscape (L2L) Program

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Purpose• Assess feasibility, collect

data1 and 2-unit homes• Subsidy toward L2L kits• Free training, manual, on-

site tech support• Free tool lending Requirements• San Francisco resident• Working laundry machine• Flat or down sloping yard• Install within 60 days• Access for inspection• Participation in survey

L2L Kit Components

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• 3-way valve• Adaptors• Pipe• Hose clamp• Straps, anchors• Autovent• Sample detergent

Complex Greywater System

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Rebates for Permitted Systems

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Up to $225 rebate off permit fees for residential graywater systems used for subsurface/rainwater irrigation

Additional Water Saving Tips

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• Replace older toilets and clothes washers with new water-efficient models – rebates available.

• Install water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators – available for FREE from SFPUC.

• Fix leaks! If your toilet has a leak you could be wasting up to 200 gallons of water a day! 

• Shorten your shower time.• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.• Run full loads in the dishwasher or clothes

washer. • Reduce outdoor watering to as little as

possible (or to no watering at all!)

Wrap Up

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• Designs aren’t typical to all residential properties

• Some installations are easier than others

• Scope out area and plan out steps to ensure adequate space and installation requirements

Questions?

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Contact Us

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Permitting/Installation– Steve Panelli, DBI Chief

Plumbing Inspector Steven.Panelli@sfgov.org 415-558-6058

Program Incentives/Rebates– SFPUC Water Conservation Team Landscape@sfwater.org