**Ensuring Transparency: L.A. City Council Investigates Water Supply Issues**
The Los Angeles City Council is taking action in response to critical water supply issues that affected firefighting efforts during the recent Palisades fire. Councilmember Traci Park, representing the Westside, has called on the L.A. Department of Water and Power (DWP) to provide a detailed explanation for the water pressure challenges that led to dry hydrants in Pacific Palisades. This comes after reports of how fire hydrants ran dry in some areas, hindering firefighting efforts, and the Santa Ynez Reservoir has been offline for repairs for nearly a year.
**Council Seeks Accountability**
In a unanimous vote, the council approved measures proposed by Councilmember Park to address these issues and ensure transparency in the city’s water infrastructure. Park emphasized the importance of understanding why key infrastructure like the Santa Ynez Reservoir has been out of commission for an extended period, especially during emergencies like the Palisades fire.
**Expert Insights**
Former DWP general manager Martin Adams acknowledged that while the reservoir could have augmented water pressure during the fire, it would not have been a complete solution due to the system’s limitations. Water consultant Tom Kennedy highlighted the challenges posed by wind-driven wildfires and the capacity of existing pipelines to meet demand during such intense fires.
**Impact on Firefighting Efforts**
The LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley expressed surprise at the reservoir’s offline status, indicating that additional water could have potentially saved some homes but would not have significantly altered the fire’s overall impact. Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin also noted similar issues in Altadena during the Eaton fire, emphasizing the strain on the water system under extreme conditions.
**Conclusion**
While investigations into the water supply issues continue, the City Council’s efforts to hold DWP accountable for providing regular updates to the LAFD demonstrate a commitment to improving emergency response capabilities. As the community reflects on the devastation caused by the Palisades fire, the importance of maintaining reliable water infrastructure to support firefighting efforts remains a top priority for city officials and residents alike.
