LADWP Water Main Break - 10 a.m. Sunday

This is for the Studio City area.

DATE: September 06, 2009 09:56:07 PST
Main Break Near Intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Coldwater Canyon Avenue Causes Flooding

Repairs Under Way; Access to Area Restricted

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reports a rupture in the City trunkline that occured last night at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Coldwater Canyon Avenue, one block south of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. LADWP crews responded immediately, arriving on-scene before midnight to find flooding and street damage in the area. By approximately 3:00 a.m. crews had shut off the water flow, except for minor leakage.

There are reports of flooding to private homes and businesses, as well as some vehicle damage. No injuries have been reported. Department representatives are on scene to speak with affected residents and assess any damage to their property.

Cleanup is under way in the area, though traffic is significantly impacted. Ventura Boulevard is closed between Whitsett Avenue and Fulton Avenue, but is expected to be reopened soon. Coldwater Canyon Avenue, north and southbound, between Ventura Boulevard & Valleyheart Street is closed at this time. Access is allowed only to those who live or work in the area.

LADWP crews are working on draining the street blowout created by the rupture and removing unsupported asphalt from the street to create a safe working environment. Repairs to the trunkline will begin as soon as this safety work is completed.

The City trunkline, one of the biggest in the LADWP Water System, is a 62-inch riveted steel pipe used to move water between the Los Angeles Reservoir and the Franklin Reservoir and it does not serve customers directly. No customers are without water service due to the rupture and only one street block of customers lost water service during the rupture. No long-term service disruptions are expected although some customers in the vicinity of the rupture could experience low pressure.

The Department has institued operational changes to shift water supply around the ruptured section of the trunkline to help ensure adequate supply to other parts of the city.