South San Francisco and California Water Service Partner on Purchase of Water-Saving Drafts Unit
Fire Department Serves as Model for Residents, Businesses to Save Water Every Day
South San Francisco, CA – A new piece of equipment is allowing South San Francisco firefighters to train and test their life-saving fire equipment, while also now saving approximately 4.2 million gallons of water a year – enough to fill more than six Olympic-sized swimming pools. The South San Francisco Fire Department and California Water Service (Cal Water) partnered on the purchase of the new Pump Pod® DRAFTS (Direct Recirculating Apparatus Firefighting Training Sustainability) Unit, which is helping South San Francisco Fire reduce its water usage.
Through Cal Water’s conservation program, Cal Water and the South San Francisco Fire Department partnered to bring the DRAFTS Unit to South San Francisco as a way to continue regular training and fire equipment testing, while also saving water. Though millions of gallons of water are needed for training and testing purposes, the unit allows water used for full-flow training to be recycled and reused instead of going down the drain.
“I want to thank Cal Water for its ongoing partnership and commitment to our community,” said South San Francisco Mayor Mark Addiego. “This new equipment strengthens our hardworking fire department by giving them the tools they need to respond more efficiently and effectively. It enhances their ability to provide the highest level of care and protection to our residents, while also advancing our shared sustainability goals. The DRAFTS Unit is another strong example of our continued collaboration.”
Cal Water estimates that, with this unit, the South San Francisco Fire Department will save more than 4.2 million gallons of water every year, while fully training firefighters and testing its equipment. South San Francisco is one of seven fire departments from Los Angeles County Fire Department in the south to Stockton in the north that Cal Water has partnered with on DRAFTS units to save more than 46 million gallons each year.
“Cal Water is dedicated to assisting firefighters, not just with a reliable supply of water, but also with their training,” said Christy Ariey, Director of Water-Use Efficiency for Cal Water. “As conservation is becoming a way of life in California, Cal Water is investing in making sure firefighter training can happen in ways that significantly reduce water use.”
By teaming up with Cal Water’s Conservation Department, the utility was able to provide the South San Francisco Fire Department $127,722 as a rebate to purchase the DRAFTS Unit.
Matt Samson, South San Francisco Fire Chief, said saving water while training firefighters is a win-win. “This capability reduces water use by an estimated 89%, resulting in millions of gallons of water savings annually. This type of impact will make a real difference in water conservation efforts for both the city and CAL Water, an important impact as we continue to face a changing climate and uncertain water future,” he said.
Ross Moilan, Cal Water’s Bayshore District Manager, thanked South San Francisco Fire for its continued partnership to keep the community safe. “We stay in close touch with South San Francisco Fire to make sure they always have the water and pressure they need to protect the community,” he said. “We’re grateful for their leadership in showing how conservation can be part of everyday life.”
Cal Water offers customers a number of incentives to save water every day through conservation rebates and programs. To learn more, visit www.calwater.com/conservation.
About South San Francisco
The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with 217 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.
About California Water Service
California Water Service provides high-quality, reliable water utility services to about 200,800 people through 54,000 service connections in San Carlos, San Mateo, and South San Francisco, and more than 2 million people through 499,400 service connections statewide. Cal Water’s purpose is to enhance the quality of life for customers and communities. To do so, it invests responsibly in water and wastewater infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and community well-being. The company’s employees live by a set of strong core values and share a commitment to protecting the planet, caring for people, and oeveryating with the utmost integrity. The utility, commemorating a century of service this year, has been named one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” and one of the “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” by Newsweek, a USA Top Workplace, and a Great Place to Work®. More information is available at www.calwater.com.
Contacts: Angenette Lau, City of South San Francisco, 650-576-8670; Laura Florez-McCusker, Cal Water, 559-356-1577
Released March 23, 2026