Step by step

Apply to build a water reuse system

Get a permit to collect and reuse water for irrigation, laundry, and flushing toilets.

Water reuse systems are an important part of managing our city's water supply. San Francisco Health Code Article 12C covers the collection, treatment, and reuse of rainwater, stormwater, graywater and other alternate water sources. This water can be used for toilet flushing, irrigation, and other non-potable uses in commercial, multi-family, mixed-use, and multi-parcel developments.

For more information on water reuse systems and the permit process, read the Water Reuse Program Guidebook. To build or use an alternate water source, you’ll need to submit documents to a few different City agencies. You can use our checklist to track your progress. Download the application packet for all the forms you need.

If you have questions, contact Douglas Obana at Douglas.Obana@sfdph.org.

1

Submit a water budget application

Single-family or two-unit projects do not need to complete a water budget application.

  • Download and fill out a water budget application based on your project type
  • Submit the application to SF Public Utilities Commission:
    • Email nonpotable@sfwater.org
    • Mail or deliver in-person to: 
      SFPUC Water Resources Division
      525 Golden Gate Ave, 10th Floor,
      San Francisco, CA 94102
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or

Submit a district-scale plan

Sharing an alternate water source with another site can be more efficient. If you have 2 or more parcels sharing an alternate water source, you need to submit a plan. This is a district-scale project. The plan should include:

  • Layout of system components
  • System details
  • Estimated potable and non-potable water supplies and demands
  • Estimated discharges to the sewer system
  • Proposed ownership model and compliance plan
  • Phasing for implementation of district-scale project

Email the plan to nonpotable@sfwater.org.

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2

Submit a permit application, engineering report, and the fee

Before you build your water reuse system, you’ll need to:

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3

Submit an encroachment permit application

If your system will be in the public right-of-way (such as a sidewalk or street) you need another permit. Submit a major encroachment permit to SF Public Works. Mail or drop off in-person to:
Director of Public Works
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94103

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4

Submit construction information

Once we approve your engineering report, you'll need a building permit. Learn more about the building permit process.

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5

Get your construction inspected

Before you can use your system, we need to test the connection between the systems.

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6

Submit documents after completing construction

Let us know your construction is complete by submitting to dph.nonpotable@sfdph.org:

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7

Pay the license fee and get your permit

We’ll review all your documents and give you a permit.​​​​​​​ Pay the annual license fee with a check or money order to the SF Department of Public Health. Mail your fee to:
SFDPH Environmental Health
Attn: Alternate Water Source Systems
49 South Van Ness Ave., Suite 600
San Francisco CA 94103

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8

Submit monthly data reports

Once you have your permit, you have 90 days to use your system in Conditional Startup Mode. You need to submit a Data and Monitoring Report and lab results every month to dph.nonpotable@sfdph.org.


For more information on Conditional Startup Mode, review the Water Reuse Program Guidebook. Make sure you are familiar with the rules for water reuse systems. If you do not meet the requirements, your permit will expire after one year.

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9

Submit annual reports and pay license fee

You need to submit regular reports to maintain your permit. These reports make sure your system is safe and functional. 

  • Test your backflow prevention assemblies every year
  • Submit regular Data and Monitoring Reports and Annual Reports to dph.nonpotable@sfdph.org
  • Let us know if your system changes or if you have any problems
  • Pay annual license fee with a check or money order to the SF Department of Public Health. Mail your fee to:
    SFDPH Environmental Health
    Attn: Alternate Water Source Systems
    49 South Van Ness Ave., Suite 600
    San Francisco CA 94103
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Last updated January 30, 2024