New! - 11/4/2011 Project Update
In an effort to maximize water savings through conservation measures and innovative practices, the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) will replace the landscaping and retrofit the irrigation system along the center and side medians of Sunset Boulevard, between Rivera Street and Sloat Boulevard.
The Sunset Boulevard Water Efficiency project will replace one mile of outdated automatic irrigation systems with new, low-flow systems and rain and solar sensors that help optimize water usage. In addition, approximately 161,000 square feet of existing high water usage turf will be replaced with native Bentgrass, which uses half the water of the current species, and other climate appropriate, low water plants.
The Sunset Boulevard Water Efficiency project complies with the SF Water Efficient Irrigation Ordinance and is slated to save up to seven million gallons of water per year— enough water for 120 single-family households for one year.
This $1.2 million project is funded through a grant from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Grant Assistance for Large Landscape Retrofits and complies with the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and the 2010 San Francisco Water Efficient Irrigation Ordinance. These ordinances were established to protect water resources and plant and animal habitats; reduce outdoor water usage and increase climate appropriate plantings; reduce runoff and maximize water retention in soil and plantings; and reduce the impact of rising water costs on citizens. The SF Water Efficient Irrigation Ordinance went into effect January 1, 2011 and encourages the use of low-water use plants, efficient irrigation techniques and alternatives to potable water.
Press Release; City Kicks off Efficiency and Water Conservation Project Along Sunset Boulevard; April 1, 2011
Factsheet, Sunset Boulevard Water Efficiency Project Factsheet 
Project Timeline & Traffic Impacts
Work hours for the project are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm daily. Traffic will be impacted during these hours with the closure of one lane in each direction. The project is expected to complete in eight months.
Phase I: March 22nd - May 19th
Center median lanes on Sunset Blvd. will close on either side of this median in both directions for the duration of this phase.
Phase II: May 19th - August 19th:
36th Avenue East Side Strips – curb lanes Northbound and Southbound on Sunset Blvd. will close for the duration of this phase.
Phase III: August 19th - November 17th:
37th Avenue West Side Strips - curb lanes Northbound and Southbound on Sunset Blvd. will close for the duration of this phase.
Project Updates
November 4, 2011 - DPW has completed the installation of the bent grass and irrigation for the project. The grass was showing signs of a fungus known as pythiun blight, caused by the damp climate in the area. Signs of the fungus have resulted in brown patches on the grass. In an effort to eradicate the fungus, DPW is maintaining the grass by applying the recommended treatment twice a month. The brown patches is expected to disappear over time with proper care and treatment.
Project Appearance and Benefits- The species of grass selected for the project was intended to conserve water and reduce the costs of maintenance and water usage. The grass tends to grow longer than conventional species and its appearance may seem to necessitate more mowing. However, in order to fulfill the intention of the project, DPW will be following recommended guidelines by maintaining the longer length to maximize water savings. The native bent grass is expected to grow 8-12 inches.
Contact
Sandra Zuniga
DPW Community Liaison
(415) 695-2114
For more information on the Water Efficient Irrigation Ordinance, please visit the SFPUC web site at www.sfwater.org/landscape
