LOS ANGELES, CA (July 21, 2026) – The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) this morning announced crews are nearing completion of slurry backfilling at the excavation site of the 36‑inch trunk line undergoing extensive repairs in West Hollywood. Completing the slurry backfill will mark a significant step toward fully repairing the damaged large-diameter water pipe and reopening Sunset Boulevard since the pipe rupture Thursday last week. Barring any unexpected issues or delays, LADWP expects to reopen Sunset Boulevard and return the trunk line to service later this week.
Crews have placed 300 cubic yards or 30 truckloads of concrete slurry into the trench following thorough pressure testing and verification that all identified leaks were fully resolved. Once the excavation site is fully filled, the slurry will need to cure for 24 hours before crews will be able to repave the street. Water quality tests will also be required to put the pipe back into service.
“Over 250 LADWP personnel have been working tirelessly to advance this complex repair as safely and efficiently as possible,” said Anselmo Collins, LADWP Chief Operating Officer, Water System. “We remain focused on meeting every requirement needed to return this pipeline to service and we thank the community’s patience and understanding during this time.”
Work Timeline:
- Once slurry backfill of the excavation site has been completed, it will require 24 hours to cure.
- Once the slurry is cured, crews will repave the road.
- Concurrently, water quality teams will work with regulators to complete final disinfection and confirmation testing to verify full compliance with drinking water standards.
- Site cleanup and roadway striping before reopening.
No water service interruptions are expected while LADWP finishes the repair work. The water supply to the affected neighborhood continues through an 8‑inch distribution pipeline and drinking water remains safe. Until the repaired 36-inch pipe is returned to service, customers are still urged to conserve water to avoid residents and businesses on upper floors from experiencing lower pressure during periods of high demand. For any water service concerns, call 1‑800-DIAL-DWP for assistance.
History of Affected Trunk Line
The affected trunk line, originally installed in 1916, is part of LADWP’s high‑capacity water transmission system. LADWP continues investing in its water infrastructure reliability by:
- Replacing 240,000 feet of distribution mainline per year.
- Maintaining a leak rate 36% lower than the national average.
- Setting a goal of replacing three times the amount of trunk line by FY 2029‑2030, focusing on the highest‑risk segments.
These long-term efforts strengthen the water system and help prevent future disruptions.
Street Closures and Public Safety
LADWP urges customers to be aware of road closures in the following streets and intersections. Soft closure is limited access; Hard closure is no access.
Claims Information and Updates
LADWP continues to accept claims related to this incident at www.LADWP.com/Claims.
For ongoing updates, visit www.LADWPNews.com.
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