The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has replaced more than 32 miles of deteriorating water main across the city over the last year, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced.
The figure tops LADWP’s goal for the 2015-16 fiscal year by more than 20,000 feet, marking the first step in an aggressive effort to replace more than 520 miles of pipe over the next decade. Water main replacements are a critical investment because they produce a dramatic reduction in leaks — enabling more water conservation and fewer service disruptions.
“Every drop counts when we’re in drought conditions, and L.A. can’t afford to let rotting pipes and bursting water mains get in the way of conservation,” said Mayor Garcetti. “These water main replacement numbers show us what we can do to effectively fortify our water system with smart investments. I am confident that we can build on this success in the months and years to come.”
LADWP was able to surpass this year’s water main replacement goal in large part because of a sensible rate increase package approved earlier this year. That plan has enabled LADWP to invest in the city’s water system now and plan for years of future progress.
In addition to planning 520 miles of water main replacement over the next 10 years, LADWP aims to reduce its system-wide water pipe replacement cycle from 225 years to 120 years by 2020.
