DWP Presents Plan to Replace Pipelines

A plan to replace 144 miles of pipeline throughout the city was submitted Tuesday by the Department of Water and Power.

A water-main break that flooded an Encino home’s backyard Oct. 16 spurred the DWP to implement the plan, which has been in the works for several years, said Julie Spacht, DWP project manager.

“That brought it to our attention and we’re moving along more aggressively as a result of the water main break in Encino,” Spacht said.

The “Trunk Line Infrastructure Program” to replace pipeline built before 1940 will be implemented over the next 20 years at an estimated cost of $450 million, Spacht said.

“This is an aggressive program but we’re confident that we can accomplish it with a minimum of disruption from construction and service interruptions,” she said. “It means better reliability for the water supply and reduced risks from ruptured pipelines.”

The plan includes an early warning system to identify and prioritize areas of highest risk potential, Spacht said, adding that the level of risk will be determined by the potential for property damage, disruption to the community and repair costs.

“Between now and April, we will come up with a way to identify areas of highest risks,” Spacht said.

The plan shows 14 miles of pipeline being replaced in the highest risk areas in two years, and an additional 36 miles in seven years.

Spacht said that contracts have been awarded on some of the work.