Flotillas of workers from the Department of Light and Water (LADWP) continue working to restore the supply of vital liquid in the Granada Hills and Porter Ranch communities in the San Fernando Valley, affecting 9,200 homes since August 5.

The water service interruption comes at a very bad time as the city of Los Angeles experiences a heat wave, so frustration begins to take hold of the affected residents, especially since it was initially reported that the supply would resume on Friday, August 8, but now it seems that it will take the entire weekend.

It has been a challenge not having water, and then you realize how important it is. Now they say we're not going to have water until Sunday, said Robin, a Granada Hills resident who has been collecting the free bottled water distributed by the ADWP.

A resident who asked to remain anonymous said it's a little frustrating to go without water for several days, especially because it's so hot, but what are we going to do?.

Eugenio, another resident, said he has had to go shower at a friend's house; and at first, she was able to get some water into her home, but now they've been asked to turn off the taps completely.

It's an inconvenience, but we have no other choice.

The Work

In a statement, the LADWP reported that one of its work crews is focused on completing the permanent repair of a valve, other groups are actively pumping water into the local system to restore service.

As of 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, a 10 million gallon tank serving the area had reached approximately 27% capacity, which is considered a step forward.

To expedite the process, the LADWP reported that they installed a An additional pump was installed overnight, and two more will arrive this Saturday.

"These additional pumps will increase the flow rate, allowing us to begin water quality testing earlier than usual, before repairs are completed."

Don’t turn on the faucet

LADWP officials urgently urged residents to keep their faucets off for now.

"Every time water is used, it lowers the level of the large tank our crews are trying to fill and pressurize. It's like trying to fill a bathtub without a drain plug: if the water keeps running, it takes much longer to fill.

They emphasized that as neighbors cooperate, water service will be restored faster.

Some of the recommendations given are:

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass posted on site X that while we move forward with restoring water service in Granada Hills/Porter Ranch, impacted customers are urged not to use their tap water.

And she asks people to visit LADWPNews.com to find free water distribution sites, showers and laundry facilities.

How this problem began

On August 5, while water system crews were performing repairs at a pumping station connected to a 10 million gallon water tank that serves the area, a valve that controls the flow of water broke.

As a result, water was cut off to a 54-inch diameter pipeline that serves the area.

This has resulted in a service outage in the area bounded by Rinaldi Avenue to the south, Balboa Boulevard to the east, De Soto Avenue to the west, and the hills to the north.

We understand how disruptive this situation has been for our customers and want to assure the community that restoring water service safely and "Fast response remains our top priority," LADWP spokespeople said.

They emphasized that their teams are working tirelessly on-site, 24 hours a day, until full service is restored.

To help affected communities, LADWP has implemented a variety of support services, including the distribution of bottled water, recycled water for outdoor use and toilet flushing, and access to mobile showers and laundry facilities.

Assistance is available at the following five locations:

Adults and people with disabilities who are unable to visit bottled water distribution centers are encouraged to call the LADWP call center at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).

People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities can dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service or call 1-800-HEAR-DWP (1-800-432-7397) for TTY; and select the “water shutoff” option.