LADWP Working to Ensure Water Quality Safety after Pipe Repaired
Updated at 9:00 p.m.
LOS ANGELES (December 22, 2018)- Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) crews have begun backfilling the hole created when a mainline ruptured on 55th Street between Main Street and Avalon Boulevard early Friday morning. Five of the eight properties damaged by the water main break have been determined safe to access, and residents have been given the option of returning home. LADWP continues to provide lodging and meals for residents who need housing or prefer not to return home until their water is restored and determined safe to drink.
LADWP has pressurized the mainline, and begun repeated testing to ensure that the water meets the highest water quality standards. Initial results from the testing are expected Sunday afternoon. A second test will be conducted, and if it meets water quality standards, the mainline can be returned to service Monday afternoon.
Officials said that 55th Street between Main Street and Avalon Boulevard will remain closed until after the street is repaired and the homes have been inspected and deemed safe to occupy by Los Angeles City Building and Safety.
Cases of bottled water are being distributed to customers, and LADWP’s mobile water truck with fresh drinking water is stationed on 55th Street and San Pedro Avenue. Residents are able to bring jugs and other water containers to the water truck to refill drinking water as needed.
LADWP is also providing water for sanitary uses– force flushing and hand-washing– to meet the needs of affected residents who were not displaced but who have no water service. Portable showers were also provided.
Background Information:
LADWP crews worked overnight and into Saturday morning to repair the damaged 24-inch water main in South Los Angeles on 55th Street between Main Street and Avalon Boulevard that failed shortly after 5:00 a.m. on Friday. Crews cut out the damaged section of pipe and lowered a new pipe into the ground overnight, allowing the Gas Company to complete the replacement of a gas main. The current water disinfection work is necessary to ensure water quality standards are met once the pipe is put back into service for the 75 households currently without water as a result of the main break. The disinfection process takes 48 hours.
If you are affected by the water main break and need additional information, call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).
Red Cross continues to be a partner in this effort as we work to meet the needs of affected customers. The Red Cross can be reached at 1 800-675-5799.
LADWP also worked with LAPD, LAFD and the City’s Departments on Disability and Animal Services to support those with special needs as well as those who own pets.
For information on how affected customers can file a damage claim with LADWP, please visit: www.ladwpnews.com/information-on-how-to-file-a-claim/.
For traffic and repair updates, follow @LADWP on Twitter.
