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Santa Ynez Reservoir Faces 9-Month Outage for Cover Replacement

Officials pledge temporary backups during the planned outage.

Overview

  • LADWP says the reservoir is full and has been in service since June 25, but it has ordered a new floating cover and plans to take the facility offline for roughly nine months to install it.
  • The utility says work will begin after public outreach and contracting in early 2026, with local reports indicating the shutdown could start as soon as next month.
  • Contingency measures include a temporary six-mile, 10-inch high-pressure hose from Topanga and coordination with the Los Angeles Fire Department to maintain redundant water supplies.
  • Residents and local officials voice renewed frustration and safety concerns and press for a permanent concrete cover that officials say would take years to deliver.
  • The reservoir was offline during the January 2025 Palisades Fire when some hydrants ran dry, prompting lawsuits and a state probe, though a report found the system might have been overwhelmed even if the reservoir had been full.