LOS ANGELES (December 18, 2025) – The Santa Ynez Reservoir is currently filled to its normal operating level and has been back in service since June 25, 2025, following emergency repairs that were made to its cover after the Palisades Fire. While these repairs allowed the reservoir to resume normal operations, replacement with a new cover will provide stronger resilience, protect water quality, and ensure continued compliance with drinking water standards and regulations.
LADWP has placed an order for a new floating cover and is in the planning and procurement stages of the replacement project. We will be conducting public outreach regarding the project and contingency measures prior to the project beginning in early 2026.
LADWP is working closely with City partners, including the Los Angeles Fire Department, to ensure redundant water supplies are available throughout the replacement project.
Proactively replacing the cover is an important interim step to avoid unexpected tears to the repaired cover that could force the reservoir out of service. It is far better to plan with contingencies in place, than to have more tears develop.
Santa Ynez Reservoir will remain in service until the new cover is ready, the community is informed, the contractor is ready and contingency measures are in place.
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