EPA orders LADWP to Inspect 100 Drinking Water Reservoirs and Tanks To Prevent Contamination Risks

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has agreed to comprehensively inspect nearly 100 drinking water reservoirs and storage tanks and clean more than 50 of them as part of a consent order with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This action is being taken to address violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). LADWP 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," said EPA Pacific Southwest Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director Amy Miller. "EPA’s priority is to make sure LADWP promptly addresses these vulnerabilities to protect the millions who depend on this system." 

An EPA inspection of LADWP’s reservoirs and storage tanks conducted in July 2024 identified maintenance issues, including unprotected openings and inconsistent cleaning and inspection schedules. If left unaddressed these deficiencies could pose a risk for contamination.  

Since EPA's 2024 inspection, LADWP has already inspected and cleaned 13 reservoirs and implemented improvements to its reservoir maintenance program. Under the consent order, LADWP must complete comprehensive inspections of nearly 100 reservoirs by December 31, 2031, take corrective action for any deficiencies identified during each inspection, and conduct interior cleaning of over 50 reservoirs where documentation gaps or extended intervals since last cleaning were identified. These measures will improve the system’s long-term reliability and enhance safeguards that protect public health.  

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