Upgrading Utilities

We're bringing the Presidio's infrastructure into the 21st century through much needed upgrades.

Improving the Presidio's Utilities

The Presidio is like a small town, with utilities built decades ago when the Presidio was an Army post. We’re now bringing this national park site into the 21st century by replacing outdated utility infrastructure with electrical and water, sewer, and storm drainage systems that meet today’s standards and will ensure the Presidio can serve its residents, tenants, and visitors for many years to come.

Illustrated yellow and green icons for Upgrading Utilities.

Renewing the Park's Infrastructure

Modernizing Presidio Power

The Presidio Trust is responsible for maintaining the park’s electrical system, which was built in the 1960’s during the Army era and is in critical condition with much of the system beyond its useful lifespan. We are now investing in a modern 12kV power system — including upgraded substations, transformers, electrical switches, and circuits. We are also moving many power lines underground to protect them during storms. By doing so, we’ll ensure reliable service for the Presidio 3,500 residents, 370 businesses, and millions of visitors.

Leaky pipe running through the Presidio.

Updating Water Utilities

Parts of the Presidio’s water, storm, and wastewater systems date to the 19th century and are past their useful life. We’re now updating key wet utilities to improve the Presidio’s drinking water systems, ensure reliable service, and protect against infiltration and costly leaks.

What's Happening Now

Adding an EV Charging Station at Crissy Field

Car parked and plugged into an EV charging station at the Presidio. — A newly installed EV charging station near East Beach at Crissy Field

In fall 2023, we installed an electric vehicle charging station at Crissy Field in the parking lot across from East Beach. With 19 ports, it’s the Presidio’s largest EV charging site and one of the largest in San Francisco, helping to meet demand for this critical service. Its waterfront location serves park employees as well as beachgoers and other visitors.

Opening a New Power Distribution Sub-Station

A couple employees in front of substation panel — A new electrical substation near the Lombard Gate

In early 2024, we completed a new electrical sub-station near the Lombard Gate. It distributes reliable power to two-thirds of the Presidio and provides a second connection point to PG+E, which means if there is trouble in one area, electricity can be rerouted.

Undergrounding Power Lines in Residential Neighborhoods

Three Presidio Trust staff members underground a power line. — Undergrounding power lines in the eastern Presidio.

In 2024, we finished undergrounding power lines in the Presidio’s eastern residential neighborhoods: the Quarry neighborhood near Fernandez Street and the East Washington neighborhood near Amatury Loop. These are places where overhead lines have been vulnerable to falling tree limbs during winter storms. We’re already planning for the next wave of undergrounding.

Saving Water + Reducing Flooding

Storey Neighborhood homes with the San Francisco skyline in the background. — Upgrading drainage in the Presidio’s Storey neighborhood

In 2024, we re-routed and replaced a leaky underground water line near San Francisco National Cemetery, ensuring none of this precious resource goes to waste. In 2025, we’re making drainage improvements in the Storey Avenue neighborhood to reduce flooding during winter storms. And we’ll begin planning for the next phase of improvements to our wet utility system.