Capital Planning Program

Auxiliary Water Supply System (AWSS) Report

What is the AWSS?

The Auxiliary Water Supply System (AWSS) is
San Francisco’s high-pressure water supply
system dedicated to fire protection. The system,
built in 1913, mainly consists of a 135-mile
pipeline network, a high elevation reservoir and
tanks, salt water pumping stations, fireboats,
underground water tanks (cisterns), and Bay
water intakes (suction connections). The
AWSS augments the City’s domestic water
system and has unique capabilities, including
the ability to deliver water at much higher
pressures and to pump saltwater from the
Bay into the system to fight fires. This is an
important function of the system because the
Bay represents an unlimited water supply. AWSS Water Flow Diagram

In addition to fighting fires in the event of an earthquake, AWSS is used throughout the
year by the San Francisco Fire Department to fight multiple alarm fires.

Why was this study commissioned?

The City’s 10-year Capital Plan identifies AWSS as one of the top emergency
response priorities due the potential for the loss of life and significant fire damage to
buildings in the event of an earthquake. As a result, the Capital Planning Committee
commissioned an engineering study to evaluate the need and long-term viability of the
system, the condition of the existing AWSS facilities and cost of further expansion, and
the necessary improvements to maintain the system in a state of good repair.

What are the key findings?

The study reveals that there are significant structural, mechanical, and related engineer-
ing deficiencies present with the core facilities that make the delivery of water to the
pipe distribution system vulnerable in the event of an earthquake.

Inspections and assessments of the AWSS core facilities above ground show that the
two pump stations, two tanks and one storage reservoir are deteriorating. They do not
meet seismic codes, are corroding from rust, have poor foundations and leaks, and use
outdated technologies.
Why is the AWSS important?
The USGS indicates there is a 62% probability of large earthquake striking the Bay Area within
the next 24 to 30 years. San Francisco could expect up to 100 fires following an earthquake. They
also estimate that fires from a major earthquake near San Francisco can cause up to 50% of
the overall destruction—totaling up to $8 billion in building losses. This level of damage would
significantly impact the livelihood of the City and its residents.

The 1995 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the Kobe Region of Japan resulted in 285 fires and the
1994 Northridge Earthquake in Los Angeles resulted in 110 fires. Following an earthquake,
the AWSS is vital to extinguishing large fires, saving lives and protecting against the loss of
buildings and homes.

What are the recommendations/conclusion?

To ensure the reliability of AWSS in both day-to-day firefighting operations and in the event of a
major earthquake or disaster, the study arrives at the following conclusions:

1. The AWSS is an important tool for fighting fires in San Francisco that should be
improved and maintained
2. The age and condition of the above ground or core facilities compromise the systems
reliability and need to be rehabilitated or replaced. The estimated cost for this in
today’s dollars is $87 million.
Core facilities include:
• Ashbury Street Tank—replace tank and pump station
• Jones Street Tank—replace tank and retrofit building
• Twin Peaks Reservoir—replace liner
• Salt Water Pump Stations—retrofit support structures & replace pump station
• Fire Boat Headquarters—retrofit structure
3. An evaluation of the current AWSS pipe network to optimize its performance,
establish a repair and replacement program, and upgrade the pipes feeding into the
core facilities should be undertaken. The estimated cost for this is $2 million.
4. Expansion of the AWSS pipeline network needs to be further analyzed in conjunction
with the pipeline optimization study above.

What is the current maintenance of these facilities?

The City and County of San Francisco spends more than $2 million per year to maintain the
AWSS system. However, as these facilities continue to age, more costly repairs are needed. The
study suggests that addressing the condition of the core facilities, optimizing the pipe network
will reduce the annual operation and maintenance costs of the system, while improving
its reliability.

For more information on the San Francisco Capital Planning Program and to download the
report, go to www.sfgov.org/CPP