The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has confirmed that all fire hydrants located in Pacific Palisades and the surrounding Westside communities of Los Angeles were confirmed to be “fully operational” prior to the outbreak of the devastating wildfires that recently impacted the region. This information was released in a statement issued by the department on Saturday.
According to the release, “No power was lost to LADWP pump stations during the fire, and water supply remained strong to the area,” suggesting that the basic infrastructure was intact and functioning as expected during the emergency.
However, the statement revealed a significant challenge faced by firefighters: water pressure within the system diminished due to the “unprecedented and extreme water demand” required to combat the wildfires, particularly in the absence of aerial firefighting support. As a result, approximately 20% of the fire hydrants in the affected area experienced a loss of suction pressure, hindering their effectiveness during the crisis.
LADWP reported that they deployed potable water tankers to provide supplementary water support to emergency services working to control the flames.
The agency also noted that it was “required to take the Santa Ynez Reservoir out of service to meet safe drinking water regulations.” However, LADWP did not clarify whether this decision had any direct impact on the water supply for firefighting operations.
Furthermore, the release explained that to initiate the necessary repairs to the Santa Ynez Reservoir, LADWP must adhere to the city charter’s competitive bidding process. This requirement implies that there will be a delay before the agency can commission the needed support and resources, as the bidding process takes time to complete.
Writ: voice of all