For more than 120 years, the Richmond District’s water and sewer infrastructure system has served the neighborhood and beyond. With one of the sewer pipes dating back to 1877 and most water pipes installed in the late 1800s, these hardworking systems even withstood the trauma of the 1906 earthquake and fire.
Constant attention, emergency interventions, and patchwork repairs are no longer enough to keep them functional. It’s time for a modern upgrade.
Starting January 6, 2025, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) will begin construction to modernize the Richmond District’s water and sewer infrastructure along Geary Boulevard from 32nd Avenue to Stanyan Street. In late 2026, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) will join the project to add above-ground pedestrian safety and bus improvements along the two-mile corridor to make it safer and easier for people to get where they’re going.
By tackling this $50 million sewer and water project all at once, the SFPUC aims to ensure residents and businesses in the Richmond District will have clean, reliable drinking water and flushing toilets for the next century.
The project will replace or rehabilitate approximately 1.4 miles of sewer mains and 6.7 miles of water pipes. This work fills a key gap between previously upgraded water mains west of 32nd Avenue and east of Presidio Avenue, completed in 2021.
Why This Matters
Sewer upgrades will improve system reliability, increase capacity, and reduce the risk of flooding and backups for residents and businesses. A key focus is the Geary Boulevard watershed, which collects stormwater from neighborhoods between Masonic Avenue and 33rd Avenue, and from Golden Gate Park to the Presidio. These upgrades will help the sewer system handle more water from the entire area that drains to or through Geary Boulevard.
The water system upgrades are just as critical. Replacing the 16-inch transmission line on Geary Boulevard, which serves the entire Richmond District, will improve water pressure, flow and reliability for homes, businesses, and firefighting. Because San Francisco’s water system is interconnected, these upgrades will benefit not only the Richmond District, but also neighborhoods like the Western Addition.
“We understand that construction is disruptive,” SFPUC General Manager Dennis Herrera said. “This major improvement project is an investment in the Richmond District and San Francisco’s future. Modern, reliable water and sewer systems provide greater resilience, reduced flooding, and better service for everyone. The SFPUC is also coordinating our work with the SFMTA to minimize disruptions to the community while they make transit and safety improvements. The combined underground and surface level improvements will ensure the Richmond District remains a vibrant, safe, and beautiful place to live for decades to come.”
What to Expect During Construction
The SFPUC’s Geary Boulevard Sewer and Water Improvements Phase 2 project will be carried out in two segments to minimize the impact on residents and businesses.
• Segment A: 32nd Avenue to 12th Avenue in the Outer Richmond.
• Segment B: 12th Avenue to Stanyan Street.
Planned upgrades include:
Sewer Main Replacement – If salvageable, aging sewer pipes will be rehabilitated using trenchless methods, reducing work time from several weeks to just 72 hours. Otherwise, sewer pipes will be replaced.
16-Inch Transmission Line Installation – Ensures water pressure and flow for the entire Richmond District. Since the city’s water system is interconnected, this upgrade will strengthen the overall system.
8-Inch Water Main Installation – Pipes run along both sides of Geary and provide connections to Richmond District homes and businesses.
Fiber-Optic Cable Conduits – While the ground is open, the SFPUC will install conduits to support future SFMTA upgrades that improve bus transit safety and efficiency.
Transit and Safety Improvements – SFMTA will step in during late 2026 to add bus and pedestrian curb extensions (also known as “bulb-outs”), upgrade traffic signals, full roadway paving, and implement neighborhood enhancements such as new trees and decorative sidewalks at selected bus stops.
Temporary and Final Paving – Excavated areas will be temporarily paved between utility installations to keep streets functional. Final curb-to-curb roadway paving will be completed as part of the SFMTA construction project.
While it may seem unusual to revisit the same blocks multiple times, this phased approach is the most efficient and cost-effective way to complete the work quickly, reducing the total time neighborhoods experience construction and ensuring that all critical upgrades are completed in one comprehensive effort.
Minimizing Daily Disruption
The SFPUC understands that construction can be inconvenient and is taking steps to limit its impact:
• Geary Boulevard will remain open during construction, with two lanes available in both directions in most cases.
• Only active work zones will have traffic restrictions, ensuring other areas remain accessible.
• Driveway access for residents and businesses will be maintained.
• Brief delays may occur if excavation is happening directly in front of a driveway and a temporary plate needs to be placed.
• Temporary parking restrictions will apply in active construction zones during working hours and will be closely coordinated with the community.
Keeping Residents and Businesses in the Loop
Clear communication is a top priority for the SFPUC, with online updates offering the latest project information. Residents and businesses can stay informed through several resources:
• Online Updates: Visit sfpuc.gov/Geary for detailed news, schedules, progress reports, and to subscribe to our project email updates.
• 30-Day and 10-Day Notices: Delivered by mail or in person before construction begins.
• Connect with us on social media @MySFPUC
• Monthly Virtual Meetings: Geary merchants can join our Small Business Working Group to ask questions, share concerns, and provide feedback.
• Community Events: Learn more about the project by visiting us at community events – feel free to invite us to yours!
• RichmondSunsetNews.com: Bookmark the Richmond’s neighborhood news site where the SFPUC will share quarterly updates.
• Questions or concerns:
> Email us: GearyUpgrades@sfwater.org
> Phone: (415) 554-3258
