LADWP has some major capital projects and system-wide programs that continue to improve drinking water quality in Los Angeles.
A Proactive Program to Reduce Lead
In 1997 and 1998, the LADWP was advised that some of its bronzed water meters and fittings suppliers had sold the LADWP bronze parts that were manufactured with an alloy different from the alloy that the LADWP specifications required. The out-of-specification alloy contained approximately 81% copper and 6-8% lead. The specified alloy contained approximately 85% copper and 4-6% lead. LADWP was concerned that the out-of-specification alloy contained more lead than the specified alloy. LADWP engaged in extensive testing and determined the lead content in the out-of-specification meters and parts provided to the LADWP were consistent with approved metals authorized by the EPA for residential plumbing use. The tests also demonstrated that small amounts of lead leached from both the out-of-specification alloy and the specified alloy, and that there was no significant difference in lead leaching characteristics between the alloys. The lead levels leached by the specified and out-of-specifications parts did not result in water quality that violated EPA action levels for lead. Despite that conclusion, LADWP decided to engage in a replacement program of all leaded parts in its system with parts which, while not required by any standard, are consistent with the EPA’s goal of minimizing lead exposures to the public. LADWP’s determination to change out its leaded brass parts over time is consistent with the LADWP’s practice to improve on regulatory standards whenever practical and technically feasible. Experts who have reviewed both the testing and the LADWP’s replacement plans have agreed that LADWP’s approach will be one the most proactive programs for reducing lead in drinking water in the Nation.
Soon thereafter, the LADWP began searching for manufacturers who could develop lead-free water meters. Most water meters manufactured today have small amounts of lead added into the smelting of the bronze used to manufacture the water meters. After a couple of years of research and development, two different types of bronze were approved for the new lead-free water meters. LADWP began receiving and installing the new meters in the spring of 2001. These new meters will minimize the contribution of lead to drinking water from the water system plumbing.
A class action lawsuit which was pending in the Los Angeles Superior Court against the water meter supplier was settled in July of 2003. The settlement in that case resulted in creation of a $1.5 million fund. That fund will be utilized, in part, to assist the LADWP in implementing its existing water replacement program. LADWP presently anticipates that the water meter replacement program will be completed on or about 2015.
Updated February 25, 2016
Background
In 1974, California State Department of Public Health (CDPH) directed the LADWP to begin studies on how to improve water quality, including the protection of 15 open distribution reservoirs. Treated water in these reservoirs was subject to degradation due to algae, small aquatic organisms, microbes, airborne particles, and birds which resulted in occasional taste and odor problems with your drinking water. It also required us to increase the use of disinfectants like chlorine in order to comply with health-based drinking water regulations.
In addition to the normal environmental exposures faced by open bodies of water, several open distribution reservoirs were determined by CDPH in 1991 as having the potential for contamination by surface runoff according to the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR). We were required to mitigate this potential threat at four of the ten remaining open distribution reservoirs by December 1993. The reservoirs were Encino, Lower Stone Canyon, and Upper and Lower Hollywood. We recognized that substantial time and capital improvements would be necessary to meet the SWTR, which meant that the compliance deadline of December 1993 could not be met. So, we formally requested and received an extension of the compliance deadline.
Our compliance with the SWTR was governed by an agreement with CDPH entered into in July 1993. All compliance dates were met.
Upper and Lower Hollywood Reservoirs were removed from service in 2001.Two 30-million gallon buried tanks in the Hollywood Hills and a large new pipeline connecting the Hollywood service area with the Stone Canyon Reservoir complex replaced the functions of the Hollywood Reservoirs. However, the capacity of these reservoirs could not be replaced, so the reservoirs are maintained as emergency supplies.
Encino Reservoir was removed from service in 2002. The reservoir functions were replaced with a small storage tank and a microfiltration plant which treats water that collects in the reservoir to drinking water standards. This treated water is of very high quality and supplements the supply to the Encino Reservoir service area.
Lower Stone Canyon Reservoir was removed from service in 2004. A bypass pipeline around the reservoir was constructed and a microfiltration plant treats water that collects in the reservoir to drinking water standards. This treated water is of very high quality and supplements the supply to the Lower Stone Canyon Reservoir service area.
Open Reservoir Rule Updated
An update to the SWTR in 2005, the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2), required us to cover, to remove from service, or to provide additional treatment by April 1, 2009 at the six remaining open reservoirs. The six reservoirs are Santa Ynez, Silver Lake, Ivanhoe, Elysian, Upper Stone Canyon, and Los Angeles. Again, we recognized that substantial time and capital improvements would be necessary to meet LT2, which meant that the compliance deadline would not be met. So, we formally requested and received an extension of the compliance deadline.
On March 31, 2009, we executed a Compliance Agreement for LT2 with CDPH for the six reservoirs.
Santa Ynez Reservoir was removed from service in 2010 for the installation of a floating cover. The reservoir was covered and returned to service in 2011.
Silver Lake Reservoir was removed from service in 2013.
On July 1, 2014, the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW) replaced CDPH as the administrator of the Drinking Water Program and our 2009 compliance agreement.
Current Status
Eleven of the 15 reservoirs that were open to the environment in 1974 have since been bypassed, replaced, or covered. Silver Lake Reservoir still has water in it. The remaining four reservoirs are; Ivanhoe, Elysian, Upper Stone Canyon, and Los Angeles.
Silver Lake Reservoir
Silver Lake Reservoir remains out of service. The reservoir is being drained, so that a bypass pipeline can be constructed and laid along the bottom of the reservoir, permanently removing the reservoir from service. Silver Lake Reservoir will still hold water for emergency purposes.
Ivanhoe Reservoir
Ivanhoe Reservoir will be removed from service. Headworks East Reservoir was built to replace some of the storage capacity that will be lost with the removal of Ivanhoe and Silver Lake Reservoirs. Headworks West Reservoir is under construction. When completed, the Headworks East and West Reservoirs will provide 110-million gallons of covered storage, increase system reliability, and allow for the removal of Ivanhoe in 2018.
Ivanhoe has been covered with shade balls since 2008, substantially improving water quality. Shade balls are an interim solution for LT2 compliance and also help us meet another regulation; the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts (DBP) Rule, which sets limits on the use of disinfectants and requires lower levels of disinfection byproducts system-wide. Shade balls save water too, by minimizing evaporation.
Elysian & Upper Stone Canyon Reservoirs
Both Elysian and Upper Stone Reservoirs will remain in service and floating covers will be installed. The alternative was buried tanks, which are not practical or cost effective for our customers. The Elysian cover design completion was in December 2014, with cover installation to be completed by December 2017. The Upper Stone Canyon cover design completion is anticipated in December 2016, with cover installation completion in June 2019.
Elysian and Upper Stone Canyon have been covered with shade balls since 2008 and 2009, respectively. Shade balls substantially improve water quality, are an interim solution for LT2 compliance, help us meet the Stage 2 DBP Rule, and conserve water.
Los Angeles Reservoir
Los Angeles Reservoir will remain in service, but is too expansive to be covered. Covering the reservoir is not cost effective for our customers. Instead, a new ultraviolet (UV) treatment plant will be built. The water will be treated as it leaves the reservoir to meet LT2 compliance. UV plant design was completed in December 2015, with construction completion anticipated in December 2019.
The more than 100 million shade balls that cover the reservoir have substantially improved water quality, are an interim solution for LT2 compliance, and allow us meet the Stage 2 DBP Rule. At Los Angeles Reservoir shade balls help us conserve more than 300 million gallons of water annually.
Together the shade balls and the new UV plant will ensure the best water quality at the best price for our customers.
For more information on our open reservoir projects, please go to:
Silver Lake Reservoir Complex (SLRC) Storage Replacement Project
Silver Lake Reservoir Complex (SLRC) Bypass Replacement Project
Elysian Reservoir Water Quality Improvement Project
Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir Water Quality Improvement Project
For more information on LT2 and Stage 2 (DBP) Rule, please go to Regulations and the US EPA’s LT2 Rule and Stage 2 DBP Rule.
For more information on shade balls, please go to Fact Sheets & Brochures.
Note: All routine flushing programs are discontinued due to water conservation measures. Water mains will be flushed as needed to maintain water quality.
What is water main flushing?
Water main flushing is a process by which our pipes are cleaned by forcing water through the main at high speeds, then expelling the water from the main, usually through a fire hydrant. Flushing improves water quality by removing sediment that can cause water to appear dirty or discolored. Water main flushing may also improve the water’s taste and smell.
Why is water main flushing needed?
Many of the city's water mains (pipes) are old. At times, they have to be flushed to remove sediment due to corrosion that may have built up over the years. This is especially true for dead-end mains, where sediment can accumulate due to reduced circulation of the water. The pipes are cleaned by forcing water through the water main at high speeds, then expelling the water from the main, usually through a fire hydrant. Flushing improves water quality by removing the sediment that can cause water to appear dirty or discolored. It may also improve the water's taste and smell.
What can I expect during a water main flush?
Your water service is not interrupted when water mains are flushed, but there may be less water pressure. During this time, your water may be murky or appear dirty for a few hours This is a temporary condition and not a health risk.
After flushing work is completed, if your water appears dirty or murky, (or when ever your water is suddenly murky or discolored) check the water quality at a hose bib or faucet as close to the water main as possible. If the water is clear, please run your cold water taps for a couple of minutes until the water is clear. Even though we try to avoid wasting water, it is necessary to run your taps for a very short time to restore water quality. If the water in your toilet bowl is dirty or murky, remove the water tank lid, and check to see if sediment is present in the tank. If sediment is present, suspend the sediment by stirring the water using a toilet brush and flush immediately. This will help eliminate the need to flush repeatedly to clear the water in the bowl, saving water.
If the water at the hose bib near the water main is not clear, wait for an hour or so and test the same faucet again. When the water clears, run your cold water taps as suggested above.
Please Note: Avoid the use of hot water during a water main flush or anytime discolored water suddenly appears in your cold water tap. Using hot water may introduce the discolored cold water into your water heater. Use hot water only after you have flushed your cold water taps and the water has become clear. If your hot water is affected, you may have to flush your entire water heater. For directions please go to: How to Flush a Water Heater
Water main flushing will not correct private plumbing or internal corrosion problems.
For general questions about water main flushing or to report dirty water conditions that have not cleared up within 24 hours after flushing activity, please call the LADWP Water Quality Hotline at (213) 367-3182, between the hours of 07:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Holidays. A message may be left after hours - someone will return your call the following business day. Or call the main number at 1-800-DIAL-DWP anytime.