Urgent Water Outage and Boil Water Notice Impact Granada Hills and Porter Ranch, Los Angeles

Residents in the Granada Hills and Porter Ranch neighborhoods of Los Angeles County are currently facing a significant water outage accompanied by a critical boil water notice. This unexpected disruption to essential water services stems from a recent valve failure during emergency repairs at a local pump station. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is responding swiftly, prioritizing support for all affected communities. This comprehensive guide details the reasons behind the water outage in Granada Hills, highlights the specific areas impacted, outlines LADWP's dedicated response, and provides crucial boil water safety guidelines for all residents.

Cause of the Water Service Interruption

The water service interruption in Granada Hills and Porter Ranch was triggered by a critical valve failure. This occurred during ongoing repairs at a pump station that supplies water to the affected areas. Specifically, the valve failed to open, which prevented the necessary refilling of a 10-million-gallon water tank – a key component in providing water to these neighborhoods. The complexity of the repair is heightened by the valve’s location, approximately 20 feet underground, necessitating extensive excavation. Further complicating efforts are nearby critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines, a fiber optic line, and a gas line, alongside large boulders obstructing access.

Areas Impacted by the Water Outage

The water outage in Los Angeles primarily affects areas within Granada Hills and Porter Ranch, specifically those bounded by Rinaldi Avenue, Balboa Boulevard, De Soto Avenue, and the foothills. More precisely, residents living north of Rinaldi Street or the 118 Freeway (whichever is further north) and west of Balboa Boulevard are directly impacted. An estimated 9,000 customers are currently without service. To confirm if your specific address is affected by this water disruption, residents are encouraged to visit the LADWP’s interactive map at www.ladwp.com/WaterQuality.

LADWP Response and Community Support Efforts

The LADWP is working tirelessly, with crews operating 24/7, to resolve the water outage in Granada Hills and Porter Ranch. While initial estimates suggested repairs could take up to a week, the LADWP is actively exploring temporary solutions to expedite the water restoration process, including pumping water from a nearby Metropolitan Water District supply. The current estimated completion timeframe aims for Friday, August 8th, with full service restoration expected within 24-48 hours after the essential excavation work is completed (estimated 14-16 hours).

To provide vital support to affected residents, the LADWP has implemented several crucial measures:

Bottled Water Distribution: Free bottled water is readily available at Holleigh Bernson Memorial Park, O’Melveny Park, and the intersection of Tampa Ave. & Sesnon Blvd (daily from 7 AM - 9 PM). Over 11,200 cases, equivalent to 270,000 bottles, have already been distributed to aid residents.

Hygiene and Sanitation: To ensure public health, portable showers, handwashing stations, mobile laundry units, and portable toilets have been strategically set up at the distribution sites.

Toilet Flushing Solutions: Plans are actively underway to provide non-potable water specifically for flushing toilets, addressing a critical need during this water disruption.

Vulnerable Population Support: The LADWP is collaborating closely with the Department of Aging, Department on Disability, and the Red Cross to provide specialized support for seniors and customers with disabilities who are particularly impacted by the water outage.

Public Safety Coordination: The LADWP is coordinating efforts with the LA Fire and Police Departments to ensure paramount public safety and to provide contingency water supplies where needed.

Boil Water Notice and Essential Safety Guidelines

A mandatory Boil Water Notice is currently in effect for all impacted customers in Granada Hills and Porter Ranch due to potential contamination risks. Residents are strongly advised to adhere to the following critical boil water safety guidelines:

Boil tap water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and making ice. This step is crucial for ensuring the safety of your water supply.

If boiling is not feasible, water can be disinfected by adding bleach according to specific instructions. These detailed instructions are available through local news sources and directly on the LADWP website.

Staying Informed About Your Water Supply

The LADWP remains fully committed to providing timely and regular updates on the water outage and boil water notice situation. Residents are strongly encouraged to visit www.ladwpnews.com for the latest information and official announcements regarding the restoration of safe water services in your area.

In conclusion, the water outage and boil water notice affecting Granada Hills and Porter Ranch is a serious incident, but the LADWP is working diligently to restore services and support the community. By following the boil water safety guidelines and staying informed through official LADWP channels, residents can navigate this challenging period effectively while awaiting the full resumption of their safe water supply.