By Suzanne Ash

Saturday's "Water, Water Everywhere" Rec Ride begins at Inner Sunset's Garden for the Environment.

The term “wastewater” is just one of those things that if not properly immersed in a sustainable lifestyle, might leave you a bit baffled as to how it could be safely recycled without the use of high-tech machines operated San Francisco’s Oceanside Treatment Plant. But wastewater isn’t just what you’re flushing down the toilet—it also includes greywater and rainwater. This weekend’s Rec Ride, led by TransitionSF’s Sarah Roggero, will not only teach you some of the basics of recycling water, but it will also show you how residents are making rain and greywater usable in their homes and gardens.

TransitionSF—a social experiment of combined community efforts to create a sustainable environment and economy—has partnered with the San Francisco Permaculture Guild and SF Bicycle Coalition to lead three Transition Tours by bike. Tomorrow’s “Water, Water Everywhere” Rec Ride is the second in the series  and will visit both public projects and private residences, as well as provide a history of water in San Francisco.

Roggero welcomes aspiring and experienced gardeners, water conservationists, and natural historians on this journey. “What’s great about the Water ride is its breadth, so there’s something to learn for everyone,” she says. “It’s also a beautiful ride with great views of the ocean to remind us of its theme—as most of it is downhill, the hardest part of the ride for some folks will be getting home!”

This 2.5-hour ride begins at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, July 24th at Inner Sunset’s Garden for the Environment (located at 7th Ave. and Lawton St.) and will end near Great Highway and Sloat Blvd. As a reminder, recreational rides are free for SF Bicycle Coalition members; however, a $5 donation from non-members is appreciated. Rain cancels rides. Email Sarah at with questions.