As firefighters and first responders in Los Angeles County continue to battle the historically destructive wildfires that have been burning through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and many other parts of the region in recent days, LA’s water supply has struggled to keep up with the demand.
Several news reports including in Reuters and The New York Times have described scenes of firefighters being unable to access water from hydrants.
The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) said the underlying issue is ultimately that the urban water system is not designed to for the high demand needed to fight a massive wildfire head-on. Janisse Quinones, LADWP CEO and chief engineer, said last week the demand at lower elevations across the city was also hampering the ability of operators to refill water tanks at higher elevations quick enough. Reports began emerging last Wednesday of fire crews discovering dry hydrants.
The Times quoted Marty Adams, a former LADWP general manager and chief engineer, who said “we are looking at a situation that is just completely not part of any domestic water system design,” referring to the overwhelming demand that spread the system thin.
As of Sunday night, LADWP said it has more than 200 employees currently working around the clock to restore water pressure the Palisades area. The effort involves restore system pressure by fixing customer and distribution system leaks and shut of all fire hydrants that were left open. The measures are intended to boost water pressure throughout the system, restoring flow to storage tanks. As of 5 p.m. Sunday, LADWP said it had shut off more than 4,200 residential and commercial connections to homes and businesses.
Local officials including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have taken heat over the management of the wildfires and the preparedness of the water system. A debate about the water system also made its way into national politics as President-elect Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom sparred last week over blame.
Within the water sector, American Water Works Association (AWWA) CEO David LaFrance released the following statement on the wildfires and devastation but did offer an assessment on the local water management efforts in Los Angeles. LaFrance also said its too early to even evaluate the type of assistance the region might need in terms of water system support.
“The American Water Works Association extends its deepest condolences to our friends and colleagues in Los Angeles County, where this week’s wildfires have claimed lives and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. We are grateful for the courageous first responders and dedicated water professionals who are battling to keep the flames at bay and the water flowing against the tremendous forces of nature. Our thoughts are with the AWWA Cal-Nevada Section members and everyone touched by the devastating wildfires. The support of the wider water family is with you now and on the long road to recovery.
“With the fires still burning and lives and structures still at risk, it is too soon to evaluate what assistance from water colleagues will be needed. We will work through local agencies and the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN) to assess needs that can be addressed by the wider water community.
“In the short-term, AWWA members wishing to assist are encouraged to consider providing support to a disaster relief organization of their choosing. Among those to consider:
- American Red Cross
- California Fire Foundation
- Salvation Army Southern California Division
- World Central Kitchen
- United Way of Greater Los Angeles
“AWWA will keep members updated on this tragic situation and thanks all members for their caring and generosity.”
Sources: AWWA, LADWP, New York Times, Reuters
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