LADWP Preps for Major Backfill Work After Sealing Leaks and Completing Pressure Testing – 7PM, July 20, 2026

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 20, 2026) - LADWP crews have effectively completed pressure testing of the water system to the 36-inch trunk line undergoing extensive repairs in West Hollywood, addressing all observed leaks. The team will move forward with preparing the site and for the next steps of backfilling, utilizing approximately 300 cubic yards of concrete slurry mix. This is a significant step forward toward achieving our primary goal of safely restoring water service and reopening the streets of West Hollywood.

As repairs continue into this week, we remain aware of the difficulties and disruptions experienced by residents and businesses throughout West Hollywood. LADWP is steadfast in its commitment to completing pipe repairs thoroughly, safely, and efficiently to protect water quality, structural safety, and reliability for all affected.

Sunset Blvd Trunkline Repair Progress

LADWP stresses that the pipe will not return to service until every regulatory and internal safety benchmark are fully met.

As of this evening, crews have successfully resolved all issues identified during pressure testing and have completed thorough testing on every section of the pipeline.

Once the site is prepared and materials are in place, crews will begin backfilling the excavation area. Approximately 300 cubic yards of concrete mix slurry will be placed into the trench, requiring about 30 truckloads. The slurry will be filled to roughly two feet below the surface and will cure for 12 hours. After required work in the shallow portion of the trench is finished, the slurry will cure for an additional 24 hours to ensure full stabilization.

Next, LADWP crews will install the base layer and apply new asphalt, ensuring all street restoration materials and methods have been approved by the City of West Hollywood.

Water quality crews will disinfect the repaired section of pipe with chlorine, followed by comprehensive water quality testing to ensure full compliance with all drinking water standards. Afterward, the water will be safely dechlorinated and discharged to the storm drain system.

Infrastructure Reliability & Long-Term Investments
The affected pipeline, originally installed in 1916, is part of LADWP's network of high-capacity transmission trunk lines engineered to move large volumes of water across Los Angeles. LADWP continues to prioritize system resiliency through proactive inspections, replacements, and upgrades. This includes:

• Replacing 240,000 feet of distribution mainline per year, meeting the department's targeted 150-year replacement cycle.

• Maintaining a leak rate 36% lower than the national average.

• Accelerating trunk line replacement goals to 3.5 miles per year by FY 2029-2030, focusing on the highest risk segments.

LADWP Water Service

We want to assure all impacted LADWP customers that their drinking water remains safe and reliable throughout the repair process. During this outage, water to the neighborhood is being supplied through an 8-inch distribution pipeline. Since this pipeline moves smaller volumes of water, customers, especially those in upper floor units, may experience lower water pressure during peak demand.

Street Closures & Public Safety

Updates can also be found at www.WeHo.org/WaterMainBreak.

LADWP Customer Support and Updates

During the ongoing repair operations customers are encouraged to use water efficiently to support the stabilization of water pressure throughout the area. If you experience water supply concerns, please call 1-800-DIAL-DWP for immediate assistance.

Claims support remains available online at LADWP.com/Claims.

For ongoing updates, please visit LADWPNews.com or call 1-800-DIAL-DWP.

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