San Fernando Valley water outage for over 9,000 customers continues as LADWP crews repair infrastructure
A San Fernando Valley water outage has continued into its third full day, leaving approximately 9,000 customers reliant on water distribution sites to collect free bottled water as Los Angeles Department of Water and Power crews work to repair damaged infrastructure.
LADWP officials originally said the repairs would likely be done on Friday, but later said the project could "take through this weekend to be completed."
On Wednesday, LADWP reported that over 9,000 customers in the Granada Hills and Porter Ranch area are "experiencing water disruptions." That disruption led to the agency not only distributing bottled water, but also installing portable showers, handwashing stations, mobile laundry units and portable toilets at a pop-up assistance site at Holleigh Bernson Memorial Park.
The LADWP said emergency repair work was being done Tuesday afternoon at a pump station that connects to a 10-million-gallon water tank that serves the area when "a valve that controls the flow of water from the pump station to a tank serving the area failed to open." As a result, water flowing into Granada Hills and Porter Ranch was cut off.
LADWP also issued a boil-water notice, advising consumers to only use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking. Officials provided a map of the neighborhoods affected by the alert, which will be in effect until further notice
"We need you to boil your water," LADWP Chief Engineer Janisse Quiñones said. "After we lost pressure, we could introduce contaminants into our distribution system. Even if you have water in this zone, we ask you to boil the water if you are going to use it to drink, cook, make ice, prepare food or brush your teeth."
Repair work and water restoration efforts are underway. Crews connected a mobile high-powered water pump to the system in the Porter Ranch area to resupply the tank. LADWP said that repairs are estimated to be complete on Friday. Mayor Karen Bass said they have contacted a specialized contractor to help.
"We are hoping to restore water service with an emergency repair much quicker than the permanent fix would take," Bass said. "Make no mistake, this is an emergency repair. The timeline is dynamic, and we will keep you posted."
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the hot weather in Southern California.
Forecasters predict Thursday will be the hottest day of the week, with most areas of Southern California experiencing temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above normal. The NWS says areas like the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley and Calabasas will have temperatures 10 to 12 degrees above normal. Maximum temperatures in the valleys could reach up to 106 degrees.
Bass said the city has predeployed firefighters to the affected areas for a swift response to emergencies.
The following drinking water distribution sites are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday:
- Holleigh Bernson Memorial Park, 20500 Sesnon Blvd, Northridge, CA 91326
- O'Melveny Park, 17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills, CA 91344
- Intersection of Tampa Ave. And Sesnon Blvd. on the border of Northridge and Porter Ranch
"If you or someone you know needs water, please don't wait. Go now or reach out to my office," said Councilmember John Lee, who represents the district. "We will do everything we can to assist."
LADWP is also offering portable showers, handwashing stations, mobile laundry units and portable restrooms at the same locations, according to Quiñones.
She urged anyone with questions to call 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397) for 24-hour assistance. Residents may also contact the State Water Resources Control Board District Office at (818) 551-2004.
