San Francisco potable water hydrant program launched today

By Brigid Gaffikin, Bay City News Service

April 4, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - San Franciscans looking for potable water in the event of a major earthquake will be able to turn to 60 specially marked water hydrants across the city, under a program that will be launched today by city officials.

Under the new emergency drinking water program, the water hydrants connected to major water mains throughout the city will be adorned with a blue water drop, according to San Francisco Public Utilities Commission spokesman Tony Winnicker.

Joined by SFPUC General Manager Susan Leal and San Francisco fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White, Mayor Gavin Newsom will paint the first blue water drop on a hydrant at the corner of Liberty and Church streets, near Dolores Park.

The launch site is just a short block from the so-called "golden fire hydrant," at Church and 20th streets, which is credited with helping stem the fire that roared through San Francisco after the April 1906 quake.

Today's launch site also makes sense because in the event of a major earthquake or other disaster Dolores Park would probably serve as an emergency gathering point, Winnicker said.

At the gathering, Newsom also discuss the city's other plans to ensure safe drinking water is available after a major disaster.

Winnicker said the SFPUC is going to promote public awareness of the emergency drinking water hydrants with a map that highlights all the hydrants and a fold-up brochure that will be given away at community events, like the many activities this month commemorating the 1906 earthquake.

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