Federal government orders LADWP to inspect nearly 100 drinking water reservoirs, storage tanks

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The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to inspect nearly 100 drinking water reservoirs and storage tanks over concerns about improper maintenance, the agency announced Thursday.The EPA identified violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act, such as unprotected openings and inconsistent storage system cleaning, during a July 2024 inspection, according to a news release.

The LADWP said in a statement that it entered into a consent order with the EPA on Dec.3 to resolve concerns raised from the EPA’s 2024 inspection of 18 water storage tanks without litigation.The consent order did not cite evidence of water contamination, but noted that if left unaddressed these deficiencies could pose a risk for contamination.

Climate & Environment During the Palisades fire, a nearby reservoir was empty for repairs.State officials say even if it had been full, the water system would have been quickly overwhelmed.“It is important to note that extensive water quality data shows that the drinking water LADWP serves to customers has met, and continues to meet, all federal and state drinking water standards,” the utility said.Under the order, the utility has until Dec.

31, 2031, to inspect nearly 100 reservoirs and storage tanks and take action to address any deficiencies found, according to the EPA.It must also conduct interior cleaning of more than 50 reservoirs where there are gaps in documentation or time since the last cleaning was recorded.“Public water systems must properly maintain their infrastructure to ensure that the water flowing out of their customers’ taps continues to be safe,” Amy Miller, EPA Pacific Southwest enforcement and compliance assurance division director, said in a statement.

“EPA’s priority is to make sure LADWP promptly addresses these vulnerabilities to protect the millions who depend on this ...