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Minutes of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
December 18, 2002
Report of the General Manager; Lake Merced Update
Mr. Michael Carlin, Manager of Bureau of Systems & Strategic Planning, recapped the Lake Merced highlights from the last year. Water was added to the lake starting on October 9. The lake level was raised 1.5 feet, totaling 18.43 feet by October 22. With recent rain, the lake level is at 19 feet. Adding more water in February 2003 to raise the lake level 6 inches is being considered.
N.B.: This claim of 19 feet includes one foot achieved simply by adding a foot to the recording as it has been made for more than twenty years. Michael did not advise the Commission regarding this change.
In the past year, SFPUC entered into a contract to perform an environmental assessment of the lake to determine the impact of raising the water level. Alternative sources of water will also be considered. A report from the assessment is anticipated for Spring 2003.
The groundwater monitoring network has expanded to 23 well sites. SFPUC is applying to the Department of Water Resources for a $250,000 grant to extend the saltwater intrusion monitoring well network north into San Francisco. This would allow for the collection of data to look at the future development of groundwater resources.
SFPUC has executed agreements with Daly City, San Bruno and the California Water Services Co. (representing So. San Francisco) to look at studied conjunctive use potential in the Westside Basin. Additional service to Daly City began in October 2002 and continues. Data is being collected and compiled on how their wells are responding. An update on this information is anticipated for early 2003. The recycled water contract with Daly City for building a tertiary recycled water facility has been awarded. Ms. Patricia E. Martel, General Manager of Public Utilities, presented a $1 million check to the North Coast Sanitation District to get recycled water for local golf course irrigation.
SFPUC is moving forward on its recycled water master plan update. A contract with an engineering firm and an environmental consulting firm to update the plan is in place. A project alternative is anticipated for presentation in Fall 2003. Proposition A has a recycled water component in the local portion of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) with approximately $100 million for recycled water potential in San Francisco.
With recent winter rain, storm water from the Vista Grande Canal has been added to the lake. A test device is in place, sampling is being done and data is being collected. The efficiency and effectiveness of the storm water treatment device is being observed. The sampling analysis will continue through next year and a proposal is anticipated for late 2003 or early 2004.
SFPUC is currently advertising for a hydrologist. Interviews will be conducted in January with a selection by early February. A Lake Merced liaison position is also being advertised. Interviews and a selection will be made in January. Mr. Carlin stated a lot of progress has been made, but there is a lot of work to do with the community.
Vice President Normandy thanked Mr. Carlin and staff for the work and progress this past year. He suggested the Commission take a proactive role in getting the word out to the Friends of Lake Merced and other supportive community groups.
President Caen asked if there was any preliminary data yet on the wells. Mr. Carlin stated the water levels are going up, but stated caution regarding all the factors involved. Data plots are available but there is no interpretation of the data. Detailed information is forthcoming including the geology of the Westside Basin.
President Caen asked what was the ideal depth of the lake. Mr. Carlin stated a goal between 24-26 feet was passed by resolution last year and is used as the stated goal for planning. The environmental assessment process will determine if this goal is appropriate.
Ms. Martel advised the Commission that the SFPUC shares jurisdiction over Lake Merced with the Department of Recreation and Park (Rec & Park) and the Department of Public Works (DPW), and that effective coordination with those departments is needed for the long-term future of the lake. SFPUC has collaborated with Rec & Park on some activities and their director recognizes that the SFPUC has made significant strides this year. Partnering and coordinated activities between all three departments will continue the progress and avoid duplication of effort.
