(KTLA-TV)
LOS ANGELES -- The DWP just released a preliminary report on what caused the recent rash of water main breaks.
The DWP concludes that water rationing is not the culprit, but rather that corrosion in cast iron pipes is responsible.
There is "no evidence that pressures increased as a result of watering restrictions" and "no clear correlation between watering days and the occurrence of main breaks."
Much of the pipe was installed 70-90 years ago and is in "very severe" or "severe" corrosive soil environment, the report concludes.
The report also blames smaller pipe breaks on water flow diversion needed during repair of the larger lines.
At the current rate, they say it will take 180 years to replace all the pipes in the DWP system.
Some 40 incidents have been reported in the Los Angeles area since September 1.
Read the full report:
Download Summer '09 Water Main Leaks Prelim Investigation Rpt.
The DWP concludes that water rationing is not the culprit, but rather that corrosion in cast iron pipes is responsible.
There is "no evidence that pressures increased as a result of watering restrictions" and "no clear correlation between watering days and the occurrence of main breaks."
Much of the pipe was installed 70-90 years ago and is in "very severe" or "severe" corrosive soil environment, the report concludes.
The report also blames smaller pipe breaks on water flow diversion needed during repair of the larger lines.
At the current rate, they say it will take 180 years to replace all the pipes in the DWP system.
Some 40 incidents have been reported in the Los Angeles area since September 1.
Read the full report:
Download Summer '09 Water Main Leaks Prelim Investigation Rpt.
