A second water main break in two days left 26 homes without service and sent water rushing through Pacific Palisades streets, raising new concerns about whether the area's aging infrastructure is beginning to show signs of strain.
The incident occurred in the Alphabet Streets area, where witnesses said water ran downhill from the break.
Here's what to know
Service had been restored by 1:50 a.m. after a water main broke at 1311 Goucher Street around 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Palisadian-Post, which cited an LADWP spokesperson. Before repairs were completed, 26 homes were left without water during the second rupture.
An eyewitness cited by the Palisadian-Post said runoff traveled along McKendree Avenue and Bestor Boulevard before reaching the 1100 block of Monument Street. Water also spilled into residential lots on McKendree and Whitfield Avenue.
More background
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power had not confirmed what caused the rupture, though it could raise questions over whether the system is facing more extensive reliability problems that would affect essentials like drinking water, cooking, bathing, and cleanup.
According to the Palisadian-Post, Pacific Palisades utility consultant and contractor Justin Skaggs was nearby on another project when he was among the first to notice water coming from the rupture on Goucher Street. He noted that no construction was underway.
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What's being done?
The main unanswered issue is the cause. Since an LADWP spokesperson could not confirm why the rupture happened, it remains unclear whether the two breaks are connected or whether aging pipes are becoming a more visible problem.
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Skaggs said: "We don't know the cause yet and would like to understand it. ... Two breaks a day apart raise a fair question for LADWP: Are they related, or is it due to the pipe age?"
Where can I learn more?
Coverage from around the country looks at concerns about aging pipes and reliable water service.
• In Pennsylvania, residents said data center water demand left some homes without reliable service.
• In Michigan, environmental groups said controversial state legislative bills could worsen risks to water supplies.
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