Water Pressure Problems

Ienjoyed the article about the water problems in Chatsworth (April 29). It’s frustrating to have no water at all. But we in Chatsworth weren’t too surprised when our faucets went dry, because there has been a long history of low water pressure on our block.

My wife and I and the neighbors have been complaining to the Department of Water and Power about the pressure for many years, but nobody seemed to listen. Indeed the DWP wouldn’t even acknowledge that there was a problem. Their attitude seemed to be (1) There is no problem, (even though we have 35 psi versus a normal minimum of 65 psi), and (2) If there were a problem nothing could be done about it anyway.

Incidentally, though the DWP attitude may be unwelcome, their PR is exemplary. Their replies to our complaints are invariably polite and sympathetic, and, if we sound upset over the phone, a PR person is dispatched to talk to us face to face. But the message is always the same, and there’s never any nonsense about putting one of their recording pressure meters at my house to see if maybe what I’m saying is indeed factual. And--perish the thought--there never used to be any mention that valves could be opened and our pressure increased.

But maybe losing our water will have its up side. First, perhaps the DWP will admit we have had a problem all along. Councilman Bernson’s office is working on this angle. Second, the DWP has evidently discovered that they can increase our pressure--by opening up some valves. So, please, DWP, can you get us some pressure?

Would it help if we did a rain dance?

MICHAEL STRIEBY

Chatsworth