Pacific Palisades, December 20, 2025
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power will replace the Santa Ynez Reservoir’s floating cover due to newly discovered leaks. This proactive measure aims to enhance the reservoir’s resilience and protect water quality. The project is set to begin in early 2026 and is crucial for ensuring compliance with drinking water standards while addressing community concerns regarding water infrastructure.
Los Angeles, CA
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has announced plans to replace the floating cover of the Santa Ynez Reservoir in Pacific Palisades, with the project slated to begin in early 2026. This decision follows the discovery of additional leaks in the reservoir’s cover, which had been previously repaired in June 2025 after the Palisades Fire. The new cover aims to enhance resilience, protect water quality, and ensure compliance with drinking water standards and regulations.
Project Details
The replacement project is currently in the planning and procurement stages. LADWP has placed an order for a new floating cover and is expected to conduct public outreach regarding the project and implement contingency measures prior to the project’s commencement in early 2026. The department is collaborating closely with city partners, including the Los Angeles Fire Department, to ensure redundant water supplies are available throughout the replacement project. Proactively replacing the cover is considered an important interim step to avoid unexpected tears to the repaired cover that could force the reservoir out of service. LADWP emphasizes the importance of planning with contingencies in place to prevent further issues. The Santa Ynez Reservoir will remain in service until the new cover is ready, the community is informed, the contractor is prepared, and contingency measures are in place.
Background
The Santa Ynez Reservoir, located in Pacific Palisades, serves as a critical component of Los Angeles’ water infrastructure, providing supplementary water supply during periods of high demand and serving as a backup if other water sources experience issues. In early 2024, LADWP discovered a significant tear in the reservoir’s floating cover, leading to the reservoir being drained for repairs. The cover was initially installed in 2012 to comply with federal drinking water regulations. Repairs were completed in June 2025, allowing the reservoir to resume normal operations. However, during the refilling process, additional leaks were identified, necessitating further action. The decision to replace the cover with a new, more durable design reflects LADWP’s commitment to maintaining water quality and infrastructure reliability. The project is expected to be completed by May 31, 2027, with design completion scheduled for January 23, 2026, and construction set to begin on June 23, 2026.
Community Concerns
The announcement of the replacement project has raised concerns among residents, particularly in light of the Palisades Fire in January 2025, during which the reservoir was out of service. Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park expressed frustration over the repeated issues with the reservoir’s cover, describing it as a “repeated failure” and urging for a permanent solution. She emphasized the need for the city’s water infrastructure to be “emergency-ready, every day,” highlighting the risks posed by infrastructure failures. The community’s concerns underscore the importance of reliable water infrastructure in ensuring public safety and preparedness for emergencies.
Conclusion
LADWP’s proactive approach to replacing the Santa Ynez Reservoir’s floating cover aims to address the identified leaks and enhance the reservoir’s resilience and compliance with water quality standards. The department’s collaboration with city partners and commitment to public outreach reflect a concerted effort to maintain reliable water services for the Los Angeles community. The project is expected to be completed by May 31, 2027, with design completion scheduled for January 23, 2026, and construction set to begin on June 23, 2026.
FAQ
What is the Santa Ynez Reservoir?
The Santa Ynez Reservoir is a critical component of Los Angeles’ water infrastructure, providing supplementary water supply during periods of high demand and serving as a backup if other water sources experience issues.
Why is the reservoir being drained again?
The reservoir is being drained to replace its floating cover, which had been previously repaired in June 2025 after the Palisades Fire. Additional leaks were discovered during the refilling process, necessitating further action.
When will the replacement project begin?
The replacement project is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with design completion expected by January 23, 2026, and construction set to start on June 23, 2026.
How long will the project take?
The project is expected to be completed by May 31, 2027.
What are the community’s concerns?
Residents are concerned about the repeated issues with the reservoir’s cover, especially in light of the Palisades Fire in January 2025, during which the reservoir was out of service. There is a call for a permanent solution to ensure the city’s water infrastructure is emergency-ready at all times.
Key Features of the Santa Ynez Reservoir Replacement Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Start Date | Early 2026 |
| Design Completion | January 23, 2026 |
| Construction Start Date | June 23, 2026 |
| Project Completion Date | May 31, 2027 |
| Purpose | Replace the floating cover to enhance resilience, protect water quality, and ensure compliance with drinking water standards and regulations. |
| Community Involvement | LADWP plans to conduct public outreach and implement contingency measures prior to the project’s commencement. |
| Collaboration | LADWP is working closely with city partners, including the Los Angeles Fire Department, to ensure redundant water supplies are available throughout the replacement project. |
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