DWP Sues Valve Maker Over Risks of Lead
The Department of Water and Power filed a lawsuit Wednesday against a manufacturer of valves and other components of the city’s water system, asking for $150 million in damages and contending that the parts are defective and could potentially release lead into drinking water in excess of allowable limits. The department “may be obligated to replace approximately 300,000 parts in order to protect the water supply, and therefore the health and welfare of the citizens of Los Angeles,” the suit states.
At this point, the DWP says it does not know if any lead is actually being released into the city’s drinking water. Assistant Los Angeles City Atty. Susan Lopez, who is representing the department in the suit, said tests are currently being conducted to determine that.
Joseph F. Coyne, a Los Angeles lawyer representing Watts Industries, said Wednesday that the suit is without merit.
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