New Delhi:
As crews battle devastating wildfires across Los Angeles, a major challenge has emerged: fire hydrants have run dry in some areas and low water pressure is hampering efforts to contain the fires.
The LA Times reported that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) and other local water utilities faced unprecedented strain as firefighters tried to pump out large amounts of water for an extended period of time. Former DWP general manager Martin Adams told the Los Angeles Times that the city’s water system was not designed to support firefighting efforts of this magnitude. “This system was never designed to fight wildfires that involve communities,” Adams said.
In the Pacific Palisades, which was particularly hard hit, some fire hydrants reportedly malfunctioned or lacked sufficient water. Similar problems occurred in Altadena and Pasadena, where firefighters reported low water pressure.
Photo credit: AFP
In the Pacific Palisades, the local water system relies on gravity-fed storage tanks located on hills. These tanks are designed to hold approximately 1 million gallons each and provide water to the fire hydrants below. However, intense firefighting efforts caused tanks to drain rapidly, leading to depletion of hydrants in high-altitude areas such as the Palisades Highlands. DWP officials say water demand soared to four times normal levels for 15 straight hours, overwhelming the system.
Compounding the problem was that a nearby DWP reservoir was unavailable for maintenance. Officials are currently investigating how this could further restrict water access. Although tanker trucks were dispatched to provide water to critical areas, the logistical challenges of transporting water delayed efforts to effectively address the water shortage.
Topography influences water distribution issues. Los Angeles spans a variety of elevations, from sea level to more than 400 feet above sea level in the Pacific Palisades. Water systems in these areas are divided into pressure zones, typically every 100 feet of elevation. These zones can restrict water flow during emergencies when demand spikes.
Altadena and Pasadena faced even more complex water distribution challenges. The Eaton Fire, which caused extensive damage in these areas, highlighted the challenges facing local water providers. These suppliers were struggling to maintain proper pressure due to a power outage that affected their pumps. Power was shut off in some areas to protect firefighters from falling power lines and cables. It was a catch-22 situation.
Photo credit: AFP
The Palisades Fire alone destroyed more than 5,000 buildings, and the Eaton Fire damaged or destroyed another 4,000-5,000. There is a complete mismatch between the damage done and the infrastructure available to prevent it.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the reports “deeply disturbing” and ordered an independent investigation into the water supply disruption. The inquiry will examine the preparedness and response of agencies such as the DWP and local authorities. Additionally, Los Angeles city leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass, have faced criticism over budget cuts to fire department resources, which they argue have weakened the city’s ability to respond to large-scale emergencies. There are some people.
Experts have suggested various strategies to address these challenges. Proposed measures include expanding water storage capacity in high-risk areas, upgrading pipelines to handle higher demand, and investing in backup power systems for pumps. However, these solutions come with financial and logistical hurdles.
Historically, when hydrants fail, firefighters have relied on non-traditional water sources such as pools and seawater.
