The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power agreed to inspect nearly 100 drinking water reservoirs and storage tanks, and clean more than 50 of them, after a federal agency identified maintenance issues that could pose a risk for contamination if these issues are left unaddressed, it was announced Thursday.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered DWP to address violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. In 2024, the agency conducted an inspection of the DWP’s reservoirs and storage tanks, finding issues such as unprotected opening, inconsistent cleaning and inspection schedules.
If these issues are left unaddressed, the agency warns they could pose a risk for contamination. DWP operates the second-largest water system in the country, serving approximately 3.8 million customers in the Greater Los Angeles area.
“Public water systems must properly maintain their infrastructure to ensure that the water flowing out of their customers’ taps continues to be safe,” EPA Pacific Southwest Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director Amy Miller said in a statement. “EPA’s priority is to make sure LADWP promptly addresses these vulnerabilities to protect the millions who depend on this system.”
Since the inspection in June 2024, DWP has already inspected and cleaned 13 reservoirs and implemented improvements to its reservoir maintenance program.
A representative for DWP did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Under the consent order, DWP must complete comprehensive inspections of nearly 100 reservoirs by Dec. 31, 2031, take corrective action for any deficiencies identified during each inspection and conduct interior cleaning of more than 50 reservoirs where documentation gaps or extended intervals since last cleaning were identified.
EPA officials say these measures will improve the system’s long-term reliability and enhance safeguards that protect public health.