Water Mains Rupture in Hyde Park

Aerial video showed a stream of water bubbling up through the pavement

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power workers searched for the source of two leaks southwest of downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday morning that sent streams of water into neighborhood streets.

Water gushed through the pavement at the intersection of Van Ness Avenue and Hyde Park Boulevard in the Hyde Park area. The intersection was closed early Tuesday afternoon as crews with heavy construction equipment began repairs.

The water main breaks involved a pair of 6- to 8-inch cast iron pipes from the 1940s and 1960s, according to LADWP officials.

About 20 to 25 customers had their water shut off.

“I saw water gushing out from the street, I mean just bulging in the street,” said neighbor Zee Amos. “It can't be good at all because right now I’m limited to watering the lawn.”

City Councilman Bernard Parks arrived to the scene to survey the damage. DWP crews were just blocks away replacing pipe already designated for removal under the department's main line replacement plan when the leaks happened.

“The problem you have is the federal government normally doesn't fund local issues and so the key is we are going to have to find it within our DWP budget,” Parks said."I think you're going to end up with a higher increase in your rate."

However, Mayor Eric Garcetti has said there will be no rate increases this year.

Repairs were expected to be completed by Tuesday night.

 

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