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LADWP says Santa Ynez Reservoir work is underway; council presses for faster, permanent fixes
Summary
LADWP reported the Santa Ynez Reservoir was drained in 2024 for repairs to a torn floating cover, repair work began in March 2025 and officials said the reservoir was expected to return to service in late June; council members urged faster, longer‑term fixes and investigation into the cover’s failures.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power told the committee the Santa Ynez Reservoir had been out of service since 2024 because of a tear in its floating cover and that repair work had begun in March 2025.
LADWP manager Ruben Rosales told the committee that a tear discovered in January 2024 forced the agency to drain the reservoir in February 2024 to inspect and prepare for repairs. LADWP issued procurement documents and awarded a purchase order in November 2024; the contractor began work in March 2025 and LADWP expected the reservoir to be back in service in late June 2025.
LADWP acknowledged repeated problems with the reservoir’s floating cover and said the agency is exploring interim and permanent alternatives, including potential hard covers or replacement tanks, but that permanent replacement could require years and environmental review. The agency told the committee it is exploring in‑house maintenance options to reduce procurement delays for similar repairs in the future.
Councilmembers pressed LADWP for a speedier and more durable fix, citing public-safety and wildfire‑response consequences from the reservoir being offline at a time of heightened fire risk. Council members asked LADWP to pursue warranty, manufacturing or alternative design options and to report on whether the agency can pursue underwater debris removal assistance from FEMA or other partners for coastal impacts related to fire debris.
Ending: LADWP said it is pursuing near-term repairs and evaluating longer-term options; council members asked for faster alternatives and follow-up reporting to the committee on both the reservoir repair timeline and options for a permanent replacement.
