Drained LA Reservoir in Fire-Ravaged Area Faces Ongoing Repair Issues

A drained reservoir in Los Angeles has raised concerns as it repeatedly needed repairs, impacting firefighting efforts during recent wildfires.

Los Angeles: The Santa Ynez Reservoir, which was drained during the recent wildfires, has been in need of repairs for years. It was empty when the Palisades Fire broke out, leaving firefighters struggling for water.

This reservoir, holding 117 million gallons, has been out of commission since February 2024 for repairs to its cover. The cover, meant to keep the water clean, has had issues before, needing fixes just two years ago.

The LADWP, which runs the water supply, awarded repair contracts to Layfield Group in both 2022 and 2024. Local officials are under fire for not having the reservoir ready when the fire started.

Reports indicate that firefighters faced challenges due to low water pressure, with hydrants running dry. Governor Newsom has called for an investigation into the situation, expressing concern over the reservoir’s status during the crisis.

LADWP plans to review the situation but hasn’t addressed the cover’s ongoing issues. A lawsuit has also been filed against the utility, claiming it failed to manage water supplies effectively.

The Palisades Fire has been devastating, claiming lives and destroying homes, with over 23,700 acres burned as of late Monday.