- Some fire hydrants in LA ran dry due to high water demand and local infrastructure issues.
- President-elect Trump made incorrect claims about water policies in northern California.
- Here’s a closer look at the water supply challenges facing Los Angeles.
This week, fire hydrants in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles ran dry as wildfires put a huge strain on the water supply.
The situation sparked criticism, including from President-elect Trump, who wrongly blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for not signing a specific water restoration order.
Trump claimed that Newsom prioritized a fish, the delta smelt, over the needs of Californians, but experts pointed to local water systems as the main problem.
California officials clarified that no water restoration order existed, labeling Trump’s comments as misleading. A spokesperson for Newsom labeled the accusations “pure fiction” and said Trump was politicizing the issue.
Newsom announced an investigation into the water supply problems after a report revealed a critical reservoir in Pacific Palisades was empty during the fires. This reservoir had been offline for repairs, compromising water availability when it was most needed.
Infrastructure Issues Led to Dry Hydrants
Janisse Quiñones from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power explained that urban water systems aren’t built to meet the high demand needed during wildfires.
During the fires, water usage spiked to four times the normal rate, quickly draining three million-gallon water tanks. Without sufficient pressure, fire hydrants in the area ran dry.
Experts noted that the water delivery network functions like an electrical grid and, although it was filled before the fire, it drained rapidly.
While the empty Santa Ynez Reservoir could have helped maintain water pressure longer, it wouldn’t have solved all the problems.
As the fires raged, LA Mayor Karen Bass mentioned that fire hydrants aren’t designed to deal with such extreme conditions. Factors like high winds also prevented aerial firefighting support.
No Water Shortage in Southern California
Despite Trump’s accusations, southern California has enough water supply. Most reservoirs in the region are actually full due to recent rains and snow.
Castaic Lake, the largest reservoir in southern California, was at 77% capacity as of January 10. This abundance reflects two years of beneficial weather in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Experts confirm that the water supply remains strong, and local municipalities are prepared for future needs.
The Delta Smelt’s Role
Newsom’s team stated that Trump mixed up unrelated issues regarding water management. There is no connection between the delta smelt and the recent firefighting challenges.
Trump likely referenced ongoing discussions about water allocation from northern California, which is a separate issue from the local water crisis during the fires.
Californians rely on a variety of water sources, including the Sierra Nevada and Colorado River, ensuring a stable water supply despite challenges.
In summary, the recent fire incidents highlight serious infrastructure challenges but do not indicate an overall water shortage in southern California.
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