DWP Starts Project to Improve Tap Water

Department of Water and Power crews have begun work on a major renovation of decades-old water pipes in Woodland Hills.

In an effort to improve water taste and appearance, and to increase the capacity for water flow, the Los Angeles DWP is cleaning and lining area pipes south of Ventura Boulevard between Serrania and Shoup avenues, said construction engineer Dan Ellison.

“The mineral deposits that form around the pipes often create rusty-looking water,” he said. “So one of the benefits [of the project] is clearer water. Another is the pipes get very clogged with rust, and this improves the flow for firefighting reasons.”

The process of cleaning and then lining the pipes with cement and sand is expected to add another 75 years to their life, he added. The pipes being refurbished were installed before 1938, when cement mortar lining became commonplace.

The $1.5-million project, scheduled for completion by January, should have little effect on customers during construction, Ellison said.

But a disruption of less than one hour will occur while new meters and shut-off valves are installed. DWP officials are expected to give residents at least a day’s notice before that work is done.

Before construction began in July, water service was rerouted to smaller, temporary pipes along the curbs. The project will affect 43,000 feet, or eight miles, of pipe in the area north of the city boundary, just south of Mulholland Drive.

Upon completion of the work, Ellison said, customers may find their water is discolored or cloudy for about a week. Should that happen, he advises residents to run the tap for a few minutes until it clears, although the water would not be harmful to drink.

“They shouldn’t have any problems if we do our jobs right,” Ellison said. “And when we’re done, we hope they see a dramatic improvement in their tap water.”