Restore - Recover - Rebuild

Welcome to the June issue of Restore - Recover - Rebuild for the Pacific Palisades community. Each issue includes LADWP's restoration progress, customer support, community resources and more!

💧Pacific Palisades Water System Update

LADWP joined the Pacific Palisades Community Council on June 25 to provide an update on the water system. The presentation highlighted major infrastructure upgrades, long‑term reservoir planning, and ongoing water quality efforts. This month’s newsletter provides an overview of water system projects and next steps related to water system improvements in the Palisades.  

Project Spotlight: Santa Ynez Reservoir

Santa Ynez Reservoir Cover Project progress as of June 11, 2026 pictured above.

The Santa Ynez Reservoir’s primary purpose is to provide storage for water that can be used in the Pacific Palisades if the Westgate Trunk Line is ever out of service. Originally an open-air reservoir, it has been required to be covered since 2011 and now uses a floating cover to meet state drinking water regulations.

Construction on the Santa Ynez Reservoir Cover Replacement Project began earlier this year. The new liner was installed on June 1, 2026, and crews are currently installing the cover. The reservoir is expected to return to service in December 2026.

If supply along Westgate Trunk Line is disrupted, there are multiple contingency measures in place to mitigate service impacts. Examples of contingency measures are highlighted below.

Long-Term Planning

The Santa Ynez Reservoir Floating Cover Replacement Project is a short‑term solution while long‑term options for the reservoir are evaluated. Potential long‑term plans include: 

• Constructing a permanent aluminum and concrete roof structure to replace the floating cover 
• Developing large tank storage to provide comparable capacity with improved operational efficiency, reduced maintenance, and enhanced water quality management.
• Installing on-site treatment and filtration facilities to support continual downstream treatment of the existing reservoir.
• Reducing potable storage and converting the Santa Ynez Reservoir to a non-potable emergency water supply.

Although the Palisades Reservoir—also known as the Chautauqua Reservoir—was removed from service in 2013 due to structural issues, long‑term plans call for replacing it with new concrete tanks. These tanks will provide a total of 13 million gallons of operational storage, significantly increasing capacity compared to the former reservoir. The proposed Pacific Palisades Tanks will be constructed before the long‑term improvements at the Santa Ynez Reservoir. 

Water Quality Update

Water in the Palisades has been safe to drink since March 2025. LADWP continues weekly sampling at 15 locations throughout the area, and to date, more than 600 samples have shown no fire‑related contaminants. LADWP also offers free water quality testing at customer taps upon request—an added benefit unique to our water service.

If you have any concerns, please contact our Water Quality Customer Care Team at (213) 367‑3182. 

Fire Sprinkler System Requirements

For those who are rebuilding, the L.A. Department of Building and Safety requires a fire sprinkler system to be installed. This system must follow LADWP backflow prevention to help protect the public water system from contamination caused by the backflow of contaminants through the water service connection.

For more information, contact LADWP's Cross-Connection Control Program (213) 367-3471

Sample Backflow Prevention Assembly pictured above.

Water Mainline Improvement Projects

LADWP has 28 water mainline improvement projects planned in the Pacific Palisades, each aimed at replacing old pipelines with steel and Earthquake Resistant Ductile Iron Pipe (ERDIP) to strengthen the area’s water infrastructure and improve system resilience.  

To date, LADWP has installed 22,000 feet of new mainline and replaced 20 fire hydrants. The goals of these projects are to improve seismic resilience, modernize aging infrastructure, and reinforce the water distribution system. 

Project Highlight: Marquez Ave., & Ida St. Mainline Replacement

LADWP crews recently begun construction on Marquez Ave., between Ida St. and Bollinger Dr., as part of the Marquez Ave. and Ida St. Mainline Replacement Project. Work is expected to be completed by August 2026. Construction hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Saturday work scheduled as needed. 

Fire Hydrant Inspection & Repair Status

There are 829 fire hydrants in the Palisades. LAFD completed all hydrant inspections in June 2025, and LADWP finished all necessary repairs by July 2025. LAFD and LADWP now share a unified database, allowing LADWP to be notified immediately when a hydrant needs repair, significantly reducing response and repair times. 

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