Los Angeles, December 13, 2025
The U.S. EPA has ordered the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to inspect nearly 100 drinking water reservoirs and storage tanks due to maintenance issues that could lead to contamination. LADWP acknowledges the directive and is committed to ensuring the safety of drinking water for approximately 3.8 million residents in Los Angeles. Inspections must be completed by December 31, 2031, with required corrective actions for any deficiencies identified. This initiative is critical for safeguarding public health and maintaining infrastructure reliability.
Los Angeles, CA
EPA Mandates LADWP Inspections to Safeguard Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to inspect nearly 100 drinking water reservoirs and storage tanks to address maintenance violations that could pose contamination risks.
EPA’s Directive to LADWP
On December 11, 2025, the EPA issued a consent order requiring LADWP to conduct comprehensive inspections of its water storage facilities. This follows a July 2024 EPA inspection that identified maintenance issues, such as unprotected openings and inconsistent cleaning schedules that could lead to contamination if not resolved. The directive requires LADWP to complete these inspections by December 31, 2031, with corrective actions for any deficiencies found. Furthermore, over 50 reservoirs marked for documentation gaps or cleanings due must also undergo interior cleaning. These measures are pivotal in enhancing the water system’s reliability and safeguarding the health of approximately 3.8 million residents in the Los Angeles area.
LADWP’s Response and Commitment
LADWP has acknowledged the EPA’s order and is committed to compliance with the specified requirements. While the department affirms that extensive water quality data demonstrates that the drinking water provided meets all federal and state standards, it has also proactively undertaken inspections and cleaning of 13 reservoirs since the EPA’s 2024 findings. Such actions illustrate LADWP’s ongoing dedication to maintaining safe and dependable water services.
Background on the EPA’s Inspection Findings
The July 2024 EPA inspection revealed several maintenance deficiencies within LADWP’s reservoirs and storage tanks. These included unprotected infrastructure and irregular cleaning and inspection schedules, increasing the likelihood of potential water contamination. While no current contamination was detected, the identified issues warranted immediate corrective measures to head off any future risks.
Ongoing Efforts to Ensure Water Quality
LADWP has long implemented strategic measures to ensure the integrity of water quality. Initiatives like ultraviolet disinfection facilities and the use of shade balls to cover open reservoirs have become standard practices. Additionally, the department conducts regular testing for contaminants, and recent assessments have found no evidence of substances like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in its water supply. These various efforts underscore LADWP’s commitment to delivering safe and clean drinking water to the Los Angeles community.
Conclusion
The EPA’s directive highlights the critical need for robust infrastructure maintenance to prevent potential water contamination risks. Through cooperation with the EPA and its ongoing initiatives, LADWP showcases a shared commitment with the federal agency to ensure the safety and reliability of Los Angeles’s drinking water supply. For local businesses and the community at large, a reliable water supply is a cornerstone for promoting growth and innovation, essential for a thriving economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What prompted the EPA to order LADWP to inspect its reservoirs and storage tanks?
The EPA’s July 2024 inspection identified maintenance issues, including unprotected openings and inconsistent cleaning and inspection schedules, which could pose contamination risks if not addressed.
How many reservoirs and storage tanks are affected by the EPA’s order?
The EPA has mandated LADWP to inspect nearly 100 drinking water reservoirs and storage tanks.
Has LADWP found any contamination in its water supply?
Extensive water quality data indicates that the drinking water supplied by LADWP has consistently met all federal and state standards, with no evidence of contamination.
What actions is LADWP taking in response to the EPA’s order?
LADWP has agreed to conduct comprehensive inspections of its water storage facilities by December 31, 2031, and to take corrective actions for any deficiencies found. Additionally, over 50 reservoirs identified with documentation gaps or extended intervals since the last cleaning must undergo interior cleaning.
What measures has LADWP implemented to ensure water quality?
LADWP has installed ultraviolet disinfection facilities, deployed shade balls to cover open reservoirs, and conducts regular testing for contaminants like PFAS, with no detections found in its water supplies.
Key Features of the EPA’s Order to LADWP
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspection Requirement | LADWP must inspect nearly 100 drinking water reservoirs and storage tanks by December 31, 2031. |
| Corrective Actions | Address any deficiencies identified during inspections and conduct interior cleaning of over 50 reservoirs with documentation gaps or extended cleaning intervals. |
| Public Health Impact | Enhance the reliability of the water system and safeguard public health for approximately 3.8 million residents in the Los Angeles area. |
| LADWP’s Response | Committed to complying with the EPA’s order and emphasizes that its drinking water has consistently met all federal and state standards. |
| Background of Inspection | The EPA’s July 2024 inspection revealed maintenance deficiencies that could increase contamination risks if not addressed. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
