LADWP NewsLADWP News

FacebookTwitterInstagramVimeoNext Door

Pacific Palisades Fires: Correcting Misinformation about LADWP’s Water System

Statement Regarding Non-Emergency Water Quality Notification to Customers in Parts of Northeast LA

Statement Regarding Non-Emergency Water Quality Notification

to Customers in Parts of Northeast LA
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) routinely tests water throughout the City of Los Angeles to ensure that the 500 million gallons of water served each day to our customers is of the highest quality at all times. On June 23, 2014, a water sample taken in the northeast area of the City tested positive for total and fecal coliforms. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are indicators that other, potentially harmful bacteria may be present. 

The next day, June 24, 2014, follow-up samples were collected and one of the three samples tested positive for coliforms.  We immediately began required sampling at the location and all test results have since been negative—indicating no further presence of total or fecal coliforms.  In addition, all ongoing and subsequent operational checks performed by LADWP indicated that all facilities were, and are, operating safely and normally.  

While Total Coliforms levels were higher than allowed, State drinking water quality officials have determined that public health was not adversely affected because there was adequate chlorine in all samples collected and no E. coli (a potentially harmful form of bacteria) were found. 

LADWP has not yet identified a cause for this extremely rare event, but will continue to investigate and monitor the matter closely.

“Protecting water quality is our highest priority at the LADWP,” said Jim McDaniel, Senior Assistant General Manager, Water System.  “While we do not know precisely why this water quality issue occurred, we do know that it did not pose a threat to public health and did not rise to the level that would have required immediate public notification and a boil water order.  Nevertheless, we apologize to the customers who live in the area that was affected and we want to assure them that their water is safe to drink.”  

The samples that tested positive were two of over 600 test samples taken each month across the City from numerous sample collection points as part of LADWP’s rigorous water quality monitoring program.

In accordance with state regulations, LADWP has mailed a notification letter to approximately 10,500 customers in the service area where the sample was collected.  The general area affected included portions of the Eagle Rock, Highland Park and Hermon neighborhoods. 

Customers receiving the notification are advised that they do not need to take any action and that they do not need to use an alternate water supply, such as bottled water. 

# # #