*** From sfwater.org Fact Sheet ***
What are Cisterns?
Cisterns are underground water storage tanks that provide an emergency source of water for firefighting. Cisterns are usually located in or near intersections and are identified by brick demarcation.
System improvements expanding to more neighborhoods
As part of the $412 million Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response bond that was approved by voters in June 2010, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) will begin a series of improvements to the City’s emergency firefighting water system this summer. The installation of five cisterns in the Parkside, Merced Manor, Inner Richmond, St. Francis Wood and Monterey Heights neighborhoods are part of the system improvements being made throughout the City.
Cistern Construction in your neighborhood – What to expect
It is anticipated that construction will begin as early as spring 2014. Construction duration at each site expected to range four to six months, depending on site conditions such as utility relocations.
The contractor is required to restore parking and traffic at each site within six months of closing the affected street to traffic, after which contract penalties apply.
Only one leg of the intersection will be closed for this period, with traffic control along the cross-street. Street closure is necessary for safety due to excavation and related construction activity.
A city construction inspector will be at one of the construction sites during work hours and may be able to answer any construction related concerns. Inspectors typically wear an SFPUC yellow safety vest and hard hat.
The SFPUC will communicate with all nearby residents and businesses prior to construction with more detailed information about schedule, work hours, and parking and traffic challenges.
Construction Outcome
The installation of these five cisterns will provide an additional source of water for the Parkside, Merced Manor, Inner Richmond, St. Francis Wood and Monterey Heights neighborhoods for firefighting, particularly following an earthquake or other disaster.