Recent wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and LA's Westside communities have highlighted challenges faced by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) in maintaining water supply and pressure for firefighting efforts.
According to a news release from LADWP, all fire hydrants in the area were fully operational before the wildfires. However, due to unprecedented water demand to combat the fires without aerial support, around 20% of hydrants experienced a loss of suction pressure, leading to a decrease in water pressure in the system.
LADWP assured that no power was lost to pump stations during the fires, and water supply remained strong in the area. To support firefighting efforts, the utility deployed potable water tankers to assist in maintaining water supply.
One significant development was the decision to take the Santa Ynez Reservoir out of service to comply with safe drinking water regulations. This move, while necessary, may have impacted the water supply in the area.
LADWP explained that the process of repairing the Santa Ynez Reservoir is subject to the city charter's competitive bidding process, which requires time to implement. This delay in repairs could potentially affect the water supply in the region.
Following these challenges, Governor Gavin Newsom called for an independent investigation into the reasons behind the Santa Ynez Reservoir being out of service and the loss of water pressure in some fire hydrants during the wildfires. The Governor expressed concern over these issues and emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate water supply for firefighting efforts.
The situation underscores the complexities of managing water resources during natural disasters and the critical role of water supply in emergency response efforts. LADWP and other agencies continue to work towards addressing these challenges to better prepare for future wildfire incidents.
