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

Update: Main Break at Ventura Boulevard and Whitsett Avenue95 Customers Affected; LADWP Crews Making Repairs

Update: Main Break at Ventura Boulevard and Whitsett Avenue

95 Customers Affected; LADWP Crews Making Repairs
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) last night reported a water main break in the Studio City area of Los Angeles. The break occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on the south side Ventura Boulevard near Whitsett Avenue. LADWP crews responded and “pinched down” the line, effectively taking it out of service while the Los Angeles Department of Transportation closed Ventura Boulevard to traffic eastbound and westbound.

The water main is 12 inches in diameter and the rupture occurred in a 10-foot segment, which is currently being replaced by LADWP crews on scene. The original pipe was installed in 1929.

While the cause of the break is not known at this time, the LADWP water system typically experiences an increase in water main breaks in fall and winter months due to colder water entering the distribution system from the Eastern Sierra Nevada. The colder water causes the pipes to shrink very slightly, known as thermal contraction, which can cause some pipes to break. For more details, please view our fact sheet on cold weather main breaks here.

No flooding of businesses or residences, nor any property damage, has been reported. LADWP claims personnel are at the location this morning and to make contact with customers in the area who may have claims or questions. Customers may also contact LADWP Claims Division by phone at (213) 367-4600 or by emailing ccenter@ladwp.com.

Currently, 74 residential customers and 21 commercial customers are without water service.

Service repairs are estimated to conclude, and Ventura Boulevard is anticipated to fully reopen, within twelve hours today. As of 9:30 a.m., Ventura Boulevard was opened to one lane each direction.

The public and members of the media are encouraged to check the Department’s news site and Twitter page for updates.

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