Supervisor Wants Water System Inspected

Supervisor Charles V. Smith is calling for the county to examine the integrity of Westminster’s entire water system, in wake of a reservoir rupture that sent 5 million gallons of water hurtling through a neighborhood last week.

“I want a thorough enough analysis to feel the infrastructure is capable of maintaining the water delivery,” said Smith, a former Westminster mayor.

The city’s water system is 30 to 50 years old, Smith said, and “nobody seems to know exactly what shape it’s in.”

In a letter to his fellow county supervisors, Smith also asked for assurances from the Orange County Fire Authority that there is adequate water pressure and volume to protect the city in case of a major fire, and asked the county Environmental Health Department for assurances about the water quality.

City officials, responding to Smith in writing, said they already have taken a number of steps to ensure the safety of the local water system.

This week, the city hired a Pasadena engineering firm to determine what caused the rupture, which flooded a 49-unit condominium complex and injured six people on Sept. 21.

Montgomery Watson Americas, Inc. also will determine whether the Hefley Street tank can be repaired or has to be rebuilt, according to City Manager Don Vestal.

The firm will evaluate the city’s second water tank on 23rd Street, which is identical to the one that ruptured and has been emptied as a precaution.

The study, which is expected to be complete by Nov. 9, is expected to cost no more than $113,500.

Westminster officials also assured the supervisor that the city has agreements with other communities and agencies to provide additional water in case of an emergency.

“Water quality test results confirm that the city’s water supply, including the Hefley Square area, continues to pass with flying colors,” read the statement from city spokeswoman Marianne Milligan.

So far 17 claims for property damages have been filed with the city, according to city officials. The majority of them have not yet listed dollar amounts, the city said.

The City Council this week authorized its claims adjuster to evaluate those claims and negotiate settlements.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross, which provided relief to more than 100 flood victims and served more than 1,000 meals, closed up shop in Westminster Thursday. The relief agency moved out of its temporary disaster center at the First Christian Church on Edwards Street, but will continue to provide services from its Santa Ana office.

The Orange County Red Cross spent about $30,000 caring for the victims of the flood, but has only received $585 in donations.

“The capacity of the Orange County Red Cross to respond in local disasters depends on the local community and requires both willing volunteers and adequate funding,” said local chairman of emergency services Bob McClain in a statement.

The Red Cross asks that donations be made to: American Red Cross, Orange County chapter, P.O. Box 11364, Santa Ana CA 92711-1364

Families who still need assistance can call the Red Cross at (714) 835-5381.