117-Million-Gallon Reservoir Offline During Pacific Palisades Firestorm, Hampering Firefighting Efforts

Jan 10, 2025, 06:25 PM

The Santa Ynez Reservoir in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, which holds 117 million gallons of water, was offline and empty due to repairs to its cover when a firestorm erupted, according to reports. The maintenance was necessary to comply with water quality regulations, and the reservoir was scheduled to reopen in February. A Los Angeles Department of Water and Power official acknowledged that the reservoir's absence likely contributed to diminished water pressure and dry hydrants in upper regions of the Palisades, potentially hampering firefighting efforts. The official also noted that even if the reservoir had been operational, it would have only temporarily extended water pressure.