Jump to content

Infrastructure Past, Present, and Future Casebook/Santa Ynez Reservoir

Add links
From Wikibooks, open books for an open world
< Infrastructure Past, Present, and Future Casebook
This page may need to be reviewed for quality.

Narrative of the Case

[edit | edit source]
Picture of Santa Ynez River, leading into Santa Ynez Reservoir[1]

Overview

[edit | edit source]

The Santa Ynez Reservoir is a 9.2-acre covered reservoir built in 1968 and after two years of construction, put into service in 1970[2]. The Reservoir gets its name from the Santa Ynez Canyon which it was built from and provides water to the Pacific Palisades area for residential use including showers, drinking water, fire hydrants, etc. The Reservoir is managed by the LA Department of Water and Power (LADWP)[3].

Due to an EPA health mandate, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power began the installation of a reservoir cover in 2012, before then the reservoir remained uncovered since it’s construction in 1968.[4]  

In January 2024, a LADWP property manager spotted a tear in the reservoir cover during a routine inspection. [Insert here about the requirements for responding to an issue]. The Department of Water and Power had planned to continue using the reservoir despite the tear, as tests indicated its water supply had not been contaminated. However, after criticism from the State Water Resources Control Board, a state agency responsible for preserving, enhancing, and restoring California's water resources and drinking water[5], the DWP began draining the reservoir, a process which can take up to two months. The bid for the repair was announced in April 2024 and repair didn’t begin until late November 2024, 10 months after the problem had been discovered. By the time the fires came in January 2025, the repairs were not completed, and the Reservoir was empty. Due to the lengthy process of draining the reservoir, bureaucratic problem solving, and contract negotiations, the reservoir was not there to aid in combating the fires. It is very likely if the reservoir cover had been addressed and repaired sooner, much of the damage from the Palisades fires could have been mitigated.  

The Reservoir will likely be refilled by April 2025[3].  

Santa Ynez Reservoir Floating Cover Project (2008)

[edit | edit source]

In 2008 the Santa Ynez Reservoir Floating Cover Project was started by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power with the intention of bringing the reservoir in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency regulations to improve water quality.[4] The reported budget for the project is estimated to have been 17 million dollars.[6] The two main objectives of the project included phasing out the use of chlorine into the better-quality chloramines as the disinfectant. As a tertiary objective the placement of a Hypalon cover is required to properly integrate the chloramines into the water treatment process. These chloramines are less reactive that the originally used chlorine and will provide longer lasting protection to the water. The cover will also prevent disease causing debris such as bird droppings from accumulating in the drinking water. Another component of this project was also created to reduce the unsightliness of the cover which included massive landscaping investment that improved the rock-work and planting in the vicinity of the reservoir. Steps were also taken to blend the cover into the nearby environment by making the perimeter road a darker shade of color. These objectives were completed in December 2011 when the final construction ended in December 19th 2012.[4]

Safe Drinking Water Act Amendment (2016)

[edit | edit source]
Image of Cryptosporidium parasite[7]

The Federal government amended the Safe Water Drinking Act in 2016 to be enforced by the Environmental Protection Act, which the LADWP interpreted to require that all open-air reservoirs be covered to prevent potential contamination. Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR). The act is the second stage that builds on the "Stage 1 Disinfectants and disinfection byproducts rule” in a process to remove pathogens specifically targeting Cryptosporidium from drinking water in the United States by a 2-log or 99% reduction.[8] Cryptosporidium is a parasite transmitted through animal feces that can infect open-air reservoirs and cause Cryptosporidiosis in humans when consumed. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and fatigue, which can lead to death. The disease becomes disproportionately severe in those with a weakened immune system.[9] In the United States, the CDC has reported that of the nearly 7500 cases tracked from 2009-2017, only one death was reported, with around 300 individuals hospitalized. States, including Puerto Rico, voluntarily reported the cases and are not all-inclusive.[10]

The Palisades Fires (2025)

[edit | edit source]
Image of Palisades Fires[11]

In January 2025, wildfires spread through the Pacific Palisades region, affecting residential areas and surrounding landscapes. Dry conditions and strong winds contributed to the rapid expansion of the fire, leading to widespread evacuations and significant property damage. Firefighting efforts were carried out across the affected areas, utilizing water sources from local hydrants and reservoirs.

At the time of the fires, the Santa Ynez Reservoir remained empty due to ongoing repairs following a cover tear discovered in January 2024. During the firefighting operations, multiple hydrants in the affected areas reportedly experienced water shortages. The fire continued to spread, impacting homes and infrastructure throughout the region. Following the fires, legal proceedings were initiated regarding water availability during the emergency, and discussions regarding infrastructure management and reservoir maintenance continued[12].

Technical Description

[edit | edit source]

The Santa Ynez Reservoir is an artificial restorer with a 117 million Gallons or approximately 359 acre-feet holding capacity. The reservoir is made of artificial clay-lined concrete, and when it was still active, it provided around 24000 people with water through the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LAWDWP). IT was Completed in 1970 on a 57.9-acre land parcel at 1351 Palisades Drive in the City of Los Angeles. The maximum surface of the Reservoir covers an approximate area of 9.2 acres and sits around 730 ft elevation.[13]

Actors and Institutional Arrangements

[edit | edit source]

Gerald W. Jones – As the chief water engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LAWP) at the time, Jones played a major role in overseeing the technical and logistical aspects of the Santa Ynez Reservoir project.[3]

William J. Simon – A water engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LAWP), Simon contributed to the planning and development of the reservoir through his engineering expertise and support in water infrastructure.[3]

Tania Bonfiglio - Serving as an environmental supervisor at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LAWP), Bonfiglio was responsible for ensuring that the reservoir project complied with USEPA regulations such as surface water quality and disinfection byproducts.[14]

Thomas Golden – As Chief Hearing Examiner for the Los Angeles City Council Planning Commission, Thomas Golden presided over public hearings related to the reservoir, facilitating community input and regulatory review.[15]

Aetron - Aetron was the construction contractor responsible for building the Santa Ynez Reservoir in 1966, executing the physical development of the water infrastructure.[16]

Los Angeles City Planning Commission (CPC) - The CPC advises city leadership on land use and development; it approved the conditional use permit necessary for construction of the reservoir in Santa Ynez, enabling the project to proceed.[15]

Los Angeles Fire Department - The Los Angeles Fire Department ensures public safety in the areas surrounding the Santa Ynez Reservoir, contributing to fire risk assessments and emergency response planning. During periods when the Santa Ynez Reservoir remained empty, the department's ability to effectively combat wildfires in nearby areas may have been limited due to reduced access to local water resources.[12]

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LAWP) - LAWP is the principal agency behind the construction of the Santa Ynez Reservoir, overseeing its planning, engineering, environmental compliance, and long term operation.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - The EPA provides federal oversight and guidance on environmental standards, such as reviewing the Santa Ynez Reservoir for compliance with national water and environmental quality regulations.[3]

The State Water Resources Control Board - The State Water Resources Control Board—along with its nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards—is responsible for protecting water quality and allocating surface water rights.[17] The board criticized LADWP's decision to continue using the reservoir, prompting the agency to begin draining the reservoir for repairs. [5]

Timeline

[edit | edit source]

Construction and Early Use

[edit | edit source]
  • 1965 – The Los Angeles City Council Planning Committee approves a permit to construct the Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Santa Ynez Canyon.
  • 1966 – Aetron (a division of Aerojet-General Corp.) is awarded a $2.5 million construction contract.
  • 1970 – Construction concludes, and the reservoir is officially put into service.

Regulatory Upgrades

[edit | edit source]
  • 2008 – The Santa Ynez Reservoir Floating Cover Project is initiated by LADWP to comply with EPA regulations for improved water quality.
  • December 2011 – Final construction for the floating cover is completed.
  • December 19, 2012 – A floating Hypalon cover is installed over the reservoir to meet federal water quality standards.

The 2024 Cover Tear and Response Delays

[edit | edit source]
  • January 2024 – A LADWP property manager discovers a tear in the reservoir cover during a routine inspection.
  • February 2024 – Initial evaluations indicate no immediate contamination; LADWP plans to continue using the reservoir.
  • March 2024 – The State Water Resources Control Board criticizes LADWP's decision, prompting the agency to drain the reservoir for repairs.
  • April 2024 – A formal bidding process begins for repair contracts.
  • November 2024 – Repairs finally commence, ten months after the tear was first discovered.

Impact of the Delay on the 2025 Wildfires

[edit | edit source]
  • January 2025 – The reservoir remains empty when wildfires spread across Los Angeles, potentially limiting the Los Angeles Fire Department's firefighting capabilities.
  • March 5th, 2025 – McNulty Law Firm & Wood Law Firm file lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and the Department of Water and Power in connection with the Palisades wildfire and reports that hydrants ran dry as firefighters attempted to fight the fire[18]
  • April 2025 (Projected) – The reservoir is expected to be refilled and put back into service.

Funding and Financing

[edit | edit source]

In 1965, after a thorough evaluation process, the Los Angeles City Council Planning Committee granted a permit for the construction of the reservoir at a projected cost of $1.5 million. This decision underscored the city’s commitment to addressing its growing water needs and managing resources effectively.[15]

To bring this ambitious project to fruition, a construction contract worth nearly $2.5 million was awarded to Aetron, a division of Aerojet-General Corp., which is headquartered in El Monte, California. Aetron’s expertise in large-scale construction projects played a vital role in the successful development of the Santa Ynez Canyon Reservoir, helping to ensure reliable water supply for the region’s residents and agricultural sectors for years to come.[16]

In 2008, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power launched the Santa Ynez Reservoir Floating Cover project, aiming to meet EPA standards and enhance water quality. The project was reportedly budgeted at approximately $17 million.[6]

Following the Palisades fire in January 2025, the Department of Water and Power faced backlash over reduced water pressure in certain hydrants and for leaving the Santa Ynez Reservoir empty for nearly a year as it awaited a repair projected to cost around $130,000.[19]

The Cover Tear (2024)

[edit | edit source]

The Santa Ynez cover tore in February of 2024, which led the LAWDP to shut down to maintain compliance with LT2ESWTR. The LADWP 2024-25 Water Infrastructure Plan is listed as one of its 2024-25 Goals to repair the Santa Ynez Reservoir cover.[13] The City of Los Angeles released the tender notice to fix the floating cover on 2024-07-11. The LADWP has claimed all repairs are subject to the LA contract standards which is a lengthy process. This is the last information obtainable about the state of the repair. [20] 

In 2019, New York found itself in a similar predicament when its failure to cover the Hillview Reservoir led to a suit being filed by the EPA under the Safe Water Drinking Act. The results included a million-dollar fine, and several billion-dollar updates being mandated to bring the reservoir into compliance with Federal regulations.[21]

Social Perception & Public Outrage

[edit | edit source]

Initial Responses to Government Mismanagement

[edit | edit source]

Shortly after the fires broke out in January 2025, the then-President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social criticizing California's Democratic leaders for the catastrophe, stating: "The fires are still raging in LA. The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out. Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost," "[t]hey just can't put out the fires," "[w]hat's wrong with them?[22]"

Then-President-elect Donald Trump also criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for refusing to sign the water restoration declaration, stating: "[The] water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water [to put out the fires].[22]"

Governor Newsom's press office responded stating: "There is no such document as the water restoration declaration – that is pure fiction.[22]"

Trump's spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt subsequently clarified that he'd been referring to a 2020 presidential memorandum[23] in which Trump had sought to divert water away from Northern California to irrigate farmland further south. This memo was not a document that Governor Newsom was required to sign[22].

During the fires in January, a text alert was mistakenly sent the ten million residents of the Los Angeles area causing even more pent up frustration towards the Los Angeles and Californian Governments for their handling of the fires. The text alert stated: "[a]n EVACUATION WARNING has been issued in your area," and was quickly followed up with another alert stating the previous message was a false alarm[24].

In addition to these frustrations, new agencies requests for public records concerning the cause of the fires were delayed for weeks and months. One report having been filed in February of 2025 and being delayed for release until late April of the same year without any transparent reasoning[25].

Social Media Conspiracy Theories

[edit | edit source]

Shortly after the fires began, social media users took to platforms such as Tik Tok, Instagram, Twitter, and Truth Social to pontificate around the cause of the fires. Some users claimed space lasers controlled by secret organizations caused the fires, others made claims that the government could have geoengineered rain to stop the Los Angeles wildfires, but didn't for nefarious reasons. The common reasoning conspiracy theorists attributed for why governments or secret organizations would start these fires was that it was a "land-grab" to propagate smart cities that align with the United Nations goals, a common culprit in the conspiracy theory community[26]. Finally some theorists claimed the fires were started to destroy evidence in relation to the sex trafficking case brought against Sean "Diddy" Combs[27].

Death Threats Towards Chief Engineer

[edit | edit source]

Several Months after the Palisades fire an increase in threats to the LADWP have caused the consideration of security being contracted for the CEO/Chief engineer Janisse Quiñones for up to a year. This is after several news agencies reported during the Palisades Fire fires that Quiñones, who had been hired in May of 2024 and knew of the empty reservoir and broken fire hydrants.[19] These claims have been denied by the LADWP in a release on January 11th 2025 intending to correct perceived misinformation surrounding infrastructure failure during the fires.[28] The LADWP board of commissioners have postponed the vote for private security and it still remains unclear how they will move forward now that the public police forces can no longer provide security. Several investigations into the causes of the fires have been launched.[29]

Maps

[edit | edit source]
Project Map Location of the Santa Ynez Reservoir

Lessons Learned

[edit | edit source]

Management of Government resources are liable to mismanagement due to lengthy procedural requirements that prioritize standardization over efficient and specific problem solving. Government procedures are often standardized in such a way they can respond to issues in a manner accordant to the desired results set out by the body which formed the procedures. However, a limitation to this approach is the ability of broad practices to respond to specific issues in a manner that prioritizes immediate needs over procedural demands. In the case of the Santa Ynez Reservoir, it is likely the tear in the reservoir cover would have been addressed in a more hasteful manner without lengthy government requirements, potentially saving lives and people’s homes.  

Discussion Questions

[edit | edit source]
  • What are some ways in which government entities can prevent standardized procedures from preventing fast and specific responses?
  • Is this an inherent problem with democracy?
  • Is this due to the “Bureaucratic State” that is now under attack with the Trump Administration
  • How can government agencies balance the need for regulatory compliance with the urgency of addressing infrastructure failures in emergency situations?
  • Is there enough information available to make any definite claims of fault?
  • What actions could be taken to improve accountability and prevent future failures?

Works Cited

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ Smith, G. F. (2012, August 29). Photograph of Santa Ynez River in California [Photograph]. Own work.
  2. ↑ Dev. (2009, July 23). Santa Ynez Reservoir construction begins. Palisadian Post. https://www.palipost.com/santa-ynez-reservoir-construction-begins/
  3. ↑ a b c d e Hamilton, M., & Zahniser, D. (2025, January 22). This reservoir was built to save Pacific Palisades. It was empty when the flames came. LA Times. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-22/why-has-a-reservoir-in-palisades-stood-empty-for-a-year
  4. ↑ a b c "Santa Ynez Reservoir Floating Cover Project". Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. January 31, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ↑ a b California State Water Resources Control Board. (2023, March 6). About the Water Board. California State Water Resources Control Board. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/about_us/#:~:text=Water
  6. ↑ a b "Reservoir Project Nears Completion". Palisadian-Post. April 7, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Cryptosporidiosis. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/cryptosporidiosis/index.html
  8. ↑ "Stage 1 and Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rules". United States #Environmental Protection Agency. July 8, 2024. Retrieved April 6, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Cryptosporidiosis. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/cryptosporidiosis/index.html
  10. ↑ Gharpure, Radhika (2019). "Cryptosporidiosis Outbreaks — United States, 2009–2017". MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 68. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6825a3. ISSN 0149-2195.
  11. ↑ Ariam23. (2025, January 7). The Palisades fire burns along Palisades Drive on January 7th, 2025 [Photograph]. Own work.
  12. ↑ a b NASA. (n.d.). The Palisades fire’s footprint. Earth Observatory at NASA. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153831/the-palisades-fires-footprint
  13. ↑ a b City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). (Year). 2024 Water Infrastructure Projects Booklet. Los Angeles, California. [Online] Available at: https://www.ladwp.com/sites/default/files/2025-01/2024_BOOKLETS_WIP_Digital%20Final.pdf (Accessed April 6, 2025).
  14. ↑ of, Los Angeles, City (2003-10-29). "Santa Ynez Reservoir Water Quality Improvement Project". ceqanet.opr.ca.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
  15. ↑ a b c "Santa Ynez Reservoir Permit Given". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News: pp. 3. 1965-06-30. https://www.newspapers.com/article/los-angeles-evening-citizen-news-santa-y/162786188/. 
  16. ↑ a b "Santa Ynez Reservoir Job Awarded". The Los Angeles Times: pp. 113. 1966-07-17. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-santa-ynez-reservo/162779447/. 
  17. ↑ "About Us | California State Water Resources Control Board". www.waterboards.ca.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
  18. ↑ Romero, Skyler (March 10th, 2025). "New lawsuit targets dry hydrants, empty reservoir in Palisades fire". www.dailyjournal.com. Daily Journal. Retrieved 2025-03-26. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ↑ a b Hamilton, Matt; Winton, Richard (March 8, 2025). "Citing threats, DWP seeks to spend up to $700,000 on private security for CEO". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 6, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ↑ "Pacific Palisades Fire: Correcting Misinformation About LADWP's Water System". www.ladwpnews.com. Retrieved 2025-04-06.
  21. ↑ "Eastern District of New York | City of New York Agrees to Settle Federal Complaint by Covering the Hillview Reservoir to Prevent Contamination of the City's Drinking Water Supply | United States Department of Justice". www.justice.gov. 2019-03-18. Retrieved 2025-04-06.
  22. ↑ a b c d Horton, J. (2025, January 12). Fact-checking criticism of California Democrats over fires. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czj3yk90kpyo
  23. ↑ U.S. Department of the Interior. (2020, February 19). Trump administration optimizes water delivery and increases species protection in California’s Central Valley. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/trump-administration-optimizes-water-delivery-and-increases-species-protection
  24. ↑ Hayes, C., & Matza, M. (2025, January 10). Anger after fire evacuation alert sent in error to millions in LA. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c17egd54e1no
  25. ↑ Wilgoren, P. (2025, March 28). Delays, excuses mount over release of public records from Palisades Fire. KTLA 5. https://ktla.com/news/local-news/delays-excuses-mount-over-public-records-from-palisades-fire/
  26. ↑ Flores, M. (2022, May 30). The New World Order: The historical origins of a dangerous modern conspiracy theory. Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. https://www.middlebury.edu/institute/academics/centers-initiatives/ctec/ctec-publications/new-world-order-historical-origins-dangerous
  27. ↑ Doan, L., & Delzer, E. (2025, January 16). Wildfire conspiracy theories are going viral again. Why? CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/wildfire-conspiracy-theories-viral-fact-check/
  28. ↑ "LADWP Windstorm Response Update : Saturday, January 11, 2025: 10:30 AM  (UPDATED)". www.ladwpnews.com. Retrieved 2025-04-06. {{cite web}}: no-break space character in |title= at position 72 (help)
  29. ↑ Hope, Brittany; Miramontes, Génesis Miranda (March 11, 2025). "LADWP Board of Commissioners postpones vote on private security for CEO". NBC Los Angeles, NBC Southern California. Retrieved April 6, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Infrastructure_Past,_Present,_and_Future_Casebook/Santa_Ynez_Reservoir"