LADWP completes four-mile seismic water pipeline amid El Niño preparations

LADWP completes four-mile seismic water pipeline amid El Niño preparationsThe Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has finished installing over 22,000 feet of large-diameter earthquake-resistant ductile iron pipe in the San Fernando Valley, marking a major milestone in the utility’s water infrastructure resiliency plan.

Crews installed approximately four miles of earthquake-resistant ductile iron pipe (ERDIP) for the Foothill Trunkline Project.

The utility is developing a department-wide El Niño plan to manage anticipated shifts in snowpack and reservoir inflows.

Board President Allan T. Marks highlighted the need to coordinate reservoir operations to maximize stormwater capture in the Northeast Valley spreading grounds.

The Board of Commissioners approved 2027 expenditures for water supply costs, water quality improvements, and Owens Valley regulatory adjustments.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has completed the installation of more than 22,000 feet of large-diameter earthquake-resistant ductile iron pipe (ERDIP) as part of the Foothill Trunkline Project. Announced during the utility's September 8 board meeting, the project places approximately four miles of seismic drinking water pipe in critical areas of the San Fernando Valley. The pipeline is designed to withstand seismic events and ensure long-term water reliability. Officials noted that the completion is a key milestone in a decade-long capital infrastructure plan to prioritize system resiliency. By securing critical large-diameter mains, LADWP water crews will be able to focus on smaller pipe repairs to speed up service restoration following an earthquake. Alongside seismic upgrades, the utility is pivoting its operational focus toward climate and weather resilience. LADWP is currently developing a department-wide El Niño plan, expected in mid-October, to prepare for anticipated heavy winter rains. To support long-term capital planning and daily operations, the department recently hired its first principal meteorologist. Board President Allan T. Marks emphasized that the forecasted weather patterns will have direct impacts on water infrastructure operations. With warmer storms expected to bring rain to lower and middle elevations that traditionally received snow, the timing of water inflows will shift. Marks noted that this will require careful reservoir management to create room for incoming water and maximize stormwater capture, particularly in the Northeast Valley spreading grounds. Despite the forecasted wet winter in California, Marks warned that the El Niño pattern is unlikely to provide meaningful relief to the Colorado River, a key regional water source. Combined water levels in Lakes Mead and Powell remain at their lowest since 1957, and dry soils in the southern Rockies are expected to absorb much of the anticipated snowmelt before it can reach the river basin. In procedural actions, the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing expenditures for estimated water supply costs, water quality improvements, and Owens Valley regulatory adjustments for the 12-month period commencing January 1, 2027.