JUST IN: Huge Pacific Palisades Reservoir Was Closed, Despite Warnings

A critical reservoir in Pacific Palisades, integral to Los Angeles’ water supply system, was closed despite warnings just before a devastating wildfire swept through the region, destroying thousands of homes and structures. The closure, which officials say was due to maintenance concerns, has drawn criticism as emergency services face significant hurdles combating the ferocious fires slamming Los Angeles right now. As a result, concerns have arisen about why firefighters encountered water shortages during a recent fire in the Palisades.

Many fire hydrants, particularly in higher areas, ran dry, resulting in low water pressure and significant challenges for the firefighting teams. Officials from the Department of Water and Power claimed that the extraordinary demand for water during the fires has made it difficult to sustain adequate pressure in the hydrants situated at elevated locations. Officials informed The Los Angeles Times Friday that the Santa Ynez Reservoir was shut down for repairs on its cover, resulting in the emptying of a 117 million-gallon water storage complex located centrally in the Palisades. Former DWP general manager Martin Adams said that if the reservoir had been operational, it could have temporarily boosted water pressure in the Palisades on Tuesday night. However, this solution would have been effective only for a limited duration.

“You still would have ended up with serious drops in pressure,” Adams said Thursday. “Would Santa Ynez [Reservoir] have helped? Yes, to some extent. Would it have saved the day? I don’t think so,” Adams explained. The DWP official admitted that the lack of the reservoir probably played a role in the reduced water pressure and dry hydrants in the higher areas of the Palisades. An anonymous utility spokesperson told The Times, “Our primary focus is to provide water supply throughout the city,” saying the ongoing evaluation of the impact caused by the reservoir being offline. They further noted, “The system was never designed for a wildfire scenario that we are experiencing,” as DWP staff carried out a root-cause analysis.

The Santa Ynez Reservoir is part of the larger Santa Ynez River watershed in Santa Barbara County. The watershed includes several key reservoirs, such as Lake Cachuma and Gibraltar Reservoir, which play vital roles in water supply, flood control, and environmental conservation. The reservoir supports local communities by providing a reliable water source, particularly during droughts, and sustains agricultural operations in the region. While some reservoirs in the system offer recreational activities like boating and fishing, others have restricted access to protect the environment or preserve water quality.

Santa Ynez Reservoir

According to The Times, the severe wildfires that have ravaged neighborhoods from L.A. to Malibu, destroying over 5,300 structures, exposed critical vulnerabilities in the city’s water infrastructure. At the center of concern are the three water storage tanks in the upper Palisades, designed to hold 1 million gallons each, which were found empty as the fire intensified by 3 a.m. Wednesday. The National Weather Service had issued warnings of “life-threatening” winds before the blaze, underscoring a grim reality: the fire risks are not confined to the Palisades but span across L.A. County. L.A. Civic leaders have criticized the DWP for poor infrastructure upkeep, linking it to the scale of destruction. DWP plans to reopen the Santa Ynez Reservoir in February, following repairs to ensure water quality compliance, indicating a move towards strengthening the resilience of the city’s water infrastructure against future crises.

During the winter months, water utilities often reduce reservoir levels in response to decreased demand from residents. Stagnant water can lead to the breakdown of chloramine, causing chlorine to dissipate and leaving ammonia behind, which can promote bacterial growth. “You would not have had a whole pile of water just sitting there,” explained Adams. “That’s the battle in water storage — you’ve got to keep your tanks and reservoirs fluctuating.” Adams mentioned that under typical conditions, with the Santa Ynez Reservoir’s cover fully repaired and in regular use, the water level would probably have remained significantly below its maximum capacity.