Drained LA reservoir in worst fire-ravaged area has repeatedly needed repairs
Share and Follow

A new report states that the major reservoir, which was drained and out-of-commission during the deadly Los Angeles wildfires, has required similar repairs multiple times in recent years.

The 117-million-gallon Santa Ynez Reservoir in the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades neighborhood was empty and undergoing fixes to its torn cover when the historic blaze started ravaging the region a week ago.

The supply system, operated by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), had been sitting empty since February 2024 due to pending repairs to its floating cover.

But the cover, which is designed to keep the water free of contaminants, also required repairs just two years earlier, according to regulatory filings obtained by the Wall Street Journal.

The cover was installed in 2011 and was supposed to have a 20-year useful life span, the documents show.

The LADWP — the largest US municipal utility — awarded the repair work contract to Layfield Group in both 2022 and 2024, per the records.

LADWP and local officials have faced mounting scrutiny ever since it emerged that the major reservoir had been shuttered for repairs by the time fire crews started battling the deadly Palisades Fire in the wealthy Los Angeles community.

Reports surfaced, too, that firefighters were struggling to fight the flames after local hydrants ran dry due to low water pressure.

Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday called for a probe into how the Santa Ynez Reservoir went dry amid the reports crews were struggling to get enough water to battle the inferno.

Newsom, who has been ripped by President-elect Donald Trump over his handling of the historic fires, called the reports “deeply troubling.”

LADWP said it would be conducting its own review, though they stopped short of addressing the cover’s required fixes.

“As we face the impacts of climate change and build climate resilience, we welcome a review and update of these codes and requirements if city water systems will be used to fight extreme wildfires,” an LADWP spokesperson said.

Layfield, the contracting firm, also hasn’t commented publicly about the repairs.

Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed Monday on behalf of residents and others affected by the historic blaze accuses the public utility of failing to properly manage water supplies.

“The water supply system servicing Pacific Palisades failed miserably, leaving residents and firefighters with little to no water to fight the blaze,” Roger Behle, one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, said in a statement.

The Palisades Fire, which has killed at least eight people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, had already burned through more than 23,700 acres as of late Monday.

With Post wires

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Unbelievable Rescue: Bucks’ Late-Night Adventure Ends in Basement Gym Showdown!

In a curious incident in Roxborough Park, Colorado, two bucks took their…
Trump insiders panic as he backs terrifying mortgage plan

Trump’s Controversial Mortgage Plan Sparks Panic Among Insiders: What It Means for Homeowners

In a surprising turn of events, Donald Trump’s housing advisor has stirred…
BBC's Tim Davie praises journalism and says broadcaster will thrive

Tim Davie Champions BBC’s Future: Why Quality Journalism is Key to Its Success

In the wake of his recent resignation, the outgoing head of the…
Chicago shooting injures 3 inside Jewel grocery store on East 34th Street in Bronzeville: CPD

Tragic Shooting in Chicago’s Bronzeville: Three Injured Inside Jewel Grocery Store on East 34th Street

In Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, a shooting at a Jewel grocery store left…
Sally Kirkland, stage and screen star who earned an Oscar nomination in 'Anna,' dies at age 84

Oscar-Nominated Actress Sally Kirkland Passes Away at 84

Sally Kirkland, a former model who transitioned into a prolific career on…
Teacher's worst fears confirmed as struggling students score top marks

Unprecedented Turnaround: Struggling Students Achieve Top Marks, Surprising Educators

In Los Angeles, an English teacher experienced a startling moment during a…
K-pop star collapses on stage after revealing her 10kg weight loss

K-Pop Idol’s Shocking On-Stage Collapse Sparks Concerns After Dramatic 10kg Weight Loss Revelation

A recent performance by a well-known K-pop artist turned alarming as she…
ICE arrests Moldovan illegal immigrant and convicted killer who tortured, threw victim out ninth-floor window

ICE Detains Moldovan Convicted Killer in U.S.: Shocking Details of Ninth-Floor Window Incident Unveiled

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently apprehended a Moldovan illegal…