This wetness is NEW; it looked like this (note: no green things growing in the moisture) in 4/2011:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Thank you for contacting the Department of Public Works regarding this matter. However, additional information is needed before your request can be processed. Is the problem you are reporting that the water is pooling in the gutter and sidewalk instead of flowing to the storm drain? Also Is the source of the water a leak? and if so, is the leak on the sidewalk or inside the property? Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Had to walk through this yesterday and I think it has gotten worse. The water is about 1" deep and covers the whole sidewalk in front of the property. There was also some substance floating on the surface. Its enough water leaking that it was flowing all the way down the street in the gutter. You have to walk all the way into the street on 14th Ave to get around it if you don't want your shoes soaked.

Dear JVWS + Jeffrey,
Can you clarify for DPW:
1) Is the water pooling in the gutter and sidewalk, instead of flowing to the storm drain?
2) Is the source of the water a leak? (<-- if it's not a leak, resident is running water to waste on purpose!)
3) The original photo CLEARLY shows the water is not originating from under the sidewalk, but from the private property, no?

Dear DPW:
Please do not shunt this WASTE OF WATER DURING A DROUGHT onto a back burner; please have the owner contacted! :-(

The water is pooling/flowing all over the sidewalk, down into the street, and flowing down the gutter into the storm drain. I couldn't tell where the leak/running water is coming from. I had to walk into the street in traffic to get around it. I didn't want to step in it since it was standing water with stuff in it.
I think the water is coming from the property but not sure where or why. I didn't see a hose or faucet on and its been like this nonstop.

Dear DPW,
Please remediate the problem at this address! The owners, Chuk M. and Yuet S. Lew (since 1987) of this _100 y.o._ house also own 5 other properties in Oakland. It is unconscionable that these hundreds of gallons of water are being wasted. Please have Code Enforcement folks investigate!

City of Oakland Public Works Department referred this issue to EBMUD, service request # 535779.Please contact that department to follow-up, see “Other Helpful Links” at:
http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/PWA/Connect/ReportaProblem/index.htm#Links.

Here are some important City of Oakland contact points:

Abandoned Autos: (510) 777-8622 (abandoned vehicles on the public street after 3 days)

Animal Control (510) 535-5602 (live animals); (510) 535-4888 (dead animals)

Code Enforcement: (510) 238-3381 (blighted private properties, deteriorated buildings, inoperable vehicles on private property)

Drug Hotline: (510) 238-3784 (tips); (510) 777-3211 (in progress)

Parking Citations (800) 500-6484 (parking citation assistance center, pay or appeal a citation); (510) 238-3099 (enforcement)

Prostitution Hotline: (510) 238-2373 (tips); (510) 777-3211 (in progress)

Thank you.

OP - have you tried calling EMBUD directly? They have a report-a-leak option and they're pretty responsive.