DWP’s Reservoir Concerns

Ten reservoirs heralded by city residents as precious open space in the midst of urban sprawl are a bit too open for water experts.

The reservoirs are vulnerable to bird droppings. They provide habitats for worm-like midge fly larvae and small, shrimp-like crustaceans.

And, even worse, four of the city reservoirs are not protected from rain that can carry animal feces and debris from nearby hillsides into the bodies of water.

Bacteria and viruses, not to mention customer satisfaction, are concerns, said Robert Yoshimura, DWP assistant engineer of water quality. More than once, he said, unlucky Los Angeles residents have discovered live larvae wriggling in their water glasses.

Last October, state health authorities said that four DWP facilities--Encino, Upper and Lower Hollywood and Lower Stone Canyon--fell under a new state rule requiring filtration systems or other measures to safeguard reservoirs vulnerable to rain runoff.

To date, the department meets all water-quality standards and there have been no health problems arising from the 10 reservoirs, Yoshimura said. However, he said, the department is trying to prepare for more stringent regulations expected in the coming years.