Residents of Granada Hills and Porter Ranch waited in line Thursday morning to pick up cases of bottled water as LADWP crews try to repair a broken valve.
LADWP spokesman Joe Ramallo told KNX News’ Jon Baird on Wednesday that a valve crews previously shut off for repair work was stuck and, as a result, over 9,000 residents have no running water.
Plan B, he said, is to divert water from the Metropolitan Water District and pumping it as well.
“We have the 6000 ft of hose that's been laid, so they'll begin refilling the system,” he said. “While they do that, we need customers in the area to keep their taps and sprinklers off to allow water to refill the system, eventually refill the tank. That's the goal of that operation.”
He said there will be more information later on Thursday regarding that process.
Councilmember John Lee, who represents Porter Ranch and Granada Hills, told L.A.’s Morning News that the repairs may not be fixed by Friday night because the DWP is having some trouble reaching the valve that broke. He, Mayor Bass, other city officials met with the DWP at 9 a.m. to get an update on those repairs.
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LADWP officials also issued a boil water notice for impacted residents. Water distribution sites were established at the following areas:
- Holleigh Bernson Memorial Park;
- O’Melveny Park;
- The intersection of Tampa Avenue and Sesnon Boulevard.
On Thursday morning, a bottled water distribution site in Porter Ranch was supposed to open at 7 a.m.; however, Baird reported that it opened 40 minutes later.
One of those in line for water is Dennis Fried. He told KNX News' Emily Valdez living without water has been manageable so far.
"I think more importantly right now, it's good that the electricity works because it's so hot, and we have some air conditioning," he said. "So I think as long as you stay indoors and you're able to hide."
But for Eduardo, things have been difficult. He said he's had to come and get water four to five times.
"So it's chaos," he said. "We don't have water. We don't have toilets. We don't have anything."
LADWP officials said the water will be available for pickup from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will remain available until service is restored.
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