Silver Lake to be Drained

Silver Lake reservoir, shown here, as well as Elysian reservoir, has been isolated from the water system and will be drained shortly.

The LADWP reported today, Friday, that it will be draining both Silver Lake and Elysian reservoirs after the New Year due to unacceptable levels of bromate in the water. Although there is no immediate health risk, the water was diverted from the city's potable water supply system and is currently off-line. Silver Lake and Elysian reservoirs serve customers in South Los Angeles. These LADWP customers will receive potable water from other sources.

LADWP discovered that the unexpected bromate levels were due to bromate formation in open distribution reservoirs that receive groundwater from San Fernando basin wells, which had naturally occurring bromide levels. The LADWP shutdown the wells in the San Fernando Basin and isolated Silver Lake and Elysian reservoirs from the system. Councilmember LaBonge will hold a special community meeting in January with LADWP officials to provide an overview of the situation, answer questions and concerns and provide a timeline.