EPA Orders LADWP to Inspect 100 Water Reservoirs

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has directed the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to inspect nearly 100 drinking water reservoirs and storage tanks. This order follows a 2024 inspection that revealed maintenance violations, including unprotected openings and inconsistent cleaning of storage systems. Although no evidence of contamination was found, the EPA highlighted potential risks if these issues remain unaddressed.

The LADWP entered into a consent order with the EPA on December 3 to address these concerns without litigation. According to the Los Angeles Times, the utility must complete inspections by December 31, 2031, and conduct interior cleaning of more than 50 reservoirs where documentation gaps exist. The EPA’s Amy Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water for millions of customers.

The announcement comes amid criticism from the Trump administration regarding California’s water management, particularly during the Palisades and Eaton fires. Gregory Pierce from UCLA’s Water Resources Group noted that such consent orders are unusual for drinking water systems, especially when no contamination is evident. He speculated that political tensions between the federal government and Los Angeles may have influenced the decision.