(a) Except as provided in Subsection (f), any person or entity that desires to use potable water for soil compaction or dust control activities to be undertaken in conjunction with a construction or demolition project occurring within the boundaries of the City and County of San Francisco shall apply to the General Manager of the Water Department for permission for such use of potable water.
(b) Permission to use potable water for soil compaction or dust control activities may be granted by the General Manager if he or she determines in writing that:
(1) Reclaimed water is not available in sufficient quality and quantity from wastewater treatment facilities located within 10 miles of the construction or demolition site; and
(2) Well water or groundwater is not available in sufficient quality and quantity from wells and groundwater sources located within 10 miles of the construction or demolition site.
(c) The cost of obtaining reclaimed water, well water or groundwater shall not be used as a factor in determining whether such water supplies are available.
(d) Any person applying for permission to use potable water for soil compaction or dust control activities shall have the burden of providing sufficient evidence to the General Manager of the unavailability of reclaimed water, well water and groundwater supplies.
(e) The General Manager's permission to use potable water pursuant to this Article may contain any conditions necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Article.
(f) The Director of Public Works shall promulgate rules and regulations that will provide for an exemption from this Article for categories of small construction or demolition projects that commonly consume less than approximately 500 gallons of water per day. This exemption shall be implemented through the process of issuing construction-related permits and shall be based on project size, cost, characteristics or any other criteria or assumptions that reasonably accomplish the intent of this subsection.
(Added by Ord. 175-91, App. 5/10/91)