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2d ago

LADWP Prepares Months-Long Shutdown of Santa Ynez Reservoir to Replace Damaged Cover

The utility says service will continue until a new cover is ready with backup supply in place.

Pacific Palisades, CA - July 09: A view of the Santa Ynez Reservoir, located on Palisades Drive and adjacent to the Pacific Highlands development within the Topanga State Park, was offline and drained for repairs due to a torn floating cover when the Palisades Fire broke out in January 2025. The incident sparked concerns about water availability during emergencies. The reservoir provides supplementary water storage for the Pacific Palisades and Brentwood areas and its floating cover is crucial for maintaining drinking water quality and security. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The reservoir could be drained and offline for about nine months as early as next month, according to LADWP.
  • The facility is filled to normal levels and has been in service since June 25, with shutdown set to wait for contractors, outreach and contingency steps.
  • A temporary six-mile, 10-inch high-pressure hose from Topanga tanks is planned to bolster firefighting water during the outage.
  • LADWP has ordered a replacement floating cover and targets early 2026 for the start of construction following procurement and public outreach.
  • Residents and Councilmember Traci Park criticize repeated cover failures and urge a permanent concrete cover that would take years.