LADWP Lifts ‘Do Not Drink’ Water Notice Across Pacific Palisades

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

All standing structures in Pacific Palisades have been cleared and water is now safe for drinking after the Palisades fire, effective Friday, March 7, announced Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

A Do Not Drink, Do Not Boil notice was issued on January 10 due to the potential of wildfire contaminants. Mayor Karen Bass announced the lift on the order at a news conference on Thursday, March 6.

“This is great news,” CD 11 Councilmember Traci Park said in response. “Given the extent of destruction and damage to our utilities, the fact that we have been able to almost fully restore power and safe water in the burn area in less than 60 days is pretty remarkable. The restoration of utilities also means that we can also anticipate repopulation in parts of the Palisades where there are still homes standing.”

Based on water quality testing, LADWP concluded—with the concurrence of the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water—that tap water in all areas impacted by these previous alerts is now safe for all uses.

“The cancellation of the Do Not Drink notice first issued on January 10 is the end result of a comprehensive plan to screen and flush nearly 100 miles of the water distribution system within all nine LADWP service zones that comprise the area affected,” according to LADWP. “This was followed by thorough and accurate water quality testing of 469 samples taken in the area.”

LADWP declared it is no longer necessary to continue drinking bottled water or using bottled water, and the tap water is now safe to use for essential activities—such as drinking, food preparation, bathing, dish washing and laundry.

LADWP recommended residents flush plumbing prior to using water to ensure it is “safe and clear.” This process includes opening and flushing any external fixtures—like hose bibs and faucets—for about 10 minutes, or until the water is visibly clear and the temperature is constant; flushing all toilets until the refilled water runs clear; draining the hot water tank to discharge of any accumulated sediment and waiting for the water to refill to check that it is clear; and running an empty dishwasher and washing machine once on a rinse cycle.

LADWP stated it will continue to regularly conduct comprehensive tests on the water in order to ensure it meets state and federal water quality standards.

“We want to thank our customers for their cooperation and great patience during this complex operation to restore water quality in the Pacific Palisades,” LADWP Director of Water Quality Jonathan Leung said in a statement. “Our aim was to be meticulous and detailed in our testing to provide our customers with the most reliable and best water quality possible. Our staff worked with care, focus and dedication knowing how much the restoration of water quality would mean to local residents as they continue to rebuild their community.”

LADWP also announced the establishment of a Unified Utilities Rebuild Operations Center at Palisades Recreation Center, which opened on Saturday, March 1.

At the operations center, customers impacted by the Palisades fire have access to LADWP services to help them rebuild, turn on and off water and power services, and receive answers to questions. Other utility services provided by corporate and government partners are also slated to offer services at the center.

“LADWP crews have worked around the clock since the Palisades fire to restore power to the Palisades area,” LADWP Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer Janisse Quiñones said in a statement. “The opening of UUROC is the next phase in LADWP’s commitment to serve our customers in the rebuilding of the community. We want to be easily accessible to our customers who are already dealing with so much as they begin to rebuild their homes and businesses.”

The operations center is in the small gym at 851 Alma Real Drive. It is currently open Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about water quality, call the LADWP Water Quality Hotline at 213-367-3182 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or 1-800-DIAL-DWP for 24-hour assistance.