Water main break in Encino forces evacuation of two homes

A 16-inch water main that ruptured in an Encino neighborhood Monday tore through a street and sent gushing water into several backyards, prompting the evacuation of two homes, officials said.

The rupture, reported around 9:40 a.m., affected backyards in the 17900 block of Karen Drive, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Erik Scott said. No injuries were reported.

L.A. Department of Water and Power crews worked to shut off the main, reducing the flow of water to “a trickle,” he said.

At least 100 LADWP customers were affected by the break.

Officials said the cast iron pipe burst as a result of typical erosion. Crews were still working to completely shut off the valve Monday afternoon.

Although the utility did not immediately know how much water was lost as a result of the leak, the pipe experienced “heavy leaking” for about an hour, said Mike Miller, a district superintendent for LADWP.

The pipe was expected to be fully repaired by 8 p.m. But officials don’t know when repairs will be completed to the road, which suffered extensive damage due to the force of the water, he added.

Water and some mud entered at least two homes, which Miller said also sustained extensive damage.

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