Altadena Water Agencies Report Progress Toward Drinking Water Restoration

Representatives from four Altadena-area water agencies provided updates on their progress toward restoring potable water service during an Altadena community meeting on Monday. While water service has been restored to all areas affected by the Eaton Fire, residents still face “do not drink” orders as agencies work through extensive testing requirements.

“We are very close to restoring potable drinking water,” said General Manager Lisa Yamashita-Lopez with Rubio Canyon Land and Water Association. “We are two samples away from asking the division of drinking water to clear and lift the do not drink order.”

The Rubio Canyon Water Association has reportedly collected over 150 water samples, with seven showing detections of contaminants. Those locations have been flushed and resampled, with final results expected by the end of the week. However, Yamashita-Lopez emphasized that lifting the order depends entirely on the State Water Board’s timeline.

“I cannot rush that. If you guys as residents want to help us, you’re more than welcome to nudge the State Water Board and the division of drinking water,” Yamashita-Lopez said. “And that’s primarily due to public safety and health concerns.”

Lincoln Avenue Water Company faces similar challenges, according to General Manager Jennifer Betancourt Torres.

With approximately 2,600 of their 4,500 service connections damaged or destroyed by the fire, the company has collected 350 samples. Thirty showed benzene contamination, requiring expanded testing to an additional 40 sites.

“Water service has been restored to a hundred percent of our area, but we are also under a do not drink, do not boil order,” Betancourt Torres said. “We’ve completed that as of today and we will have results by the end of this week.”

Las Flores Water Company appears to be is further behind in the process.

William Kimberling reported that they’ve submitted a sampling plan that remains under review by state authorities.

“I have to resubmit a couple more sample locations and a map to get the approval. Once that’s approved, hopefully we can start sampling by mid-March,” Kimberling said, adding that they’re waiting for water deliveries from Lincoln Avenue Water Company.

He estimated it would take “another month probably” before service is fully restored.

The Kinneloa Irrigation District reported the best conditions, with minimal damage allowing them to quickly restore potable water to all customers.

“We are providing potable water service to 100% of our customers at this moment,” said Tom Majich with the Irrigation District.

They’re also serving Pasadena’s Hastings Ranch neighborhood “because Pasadena Water Power had some significant damage.”

Majich also raised concerns about contractors improperly taking and using water as rebuilding efforts continue.

“All these water systems are community owned. Whether you’re a shareholder or you’re a resident of a special District, these water systems are owned by you and that water theft is theft of your property,” Majich said, adding that it’s “not only theft of your property, but it’s also a public health risk.” He urged homeowners to ensure contractors contact water agencies and obtain proper permits before using water.

Several meeting participants asked if County or state assistance could help expedite the restoration process. Supervisor Kathryn Barger committed to following up.

“We have been in discussions as it relates to the impact that this has had on the overall water districts and we are looking at options moving forward to address this issue,” Barger added.

Rubio Canyon has reportedly reached out to Cal OES and County Public Works for assistance with debris removal, which is connected to their water restoration efforts.

Residents with questions about water service or other recovery needs can visit the Disaster Recovery Center located at 540 West Woodbury Road.

No definitive timeline was provided for when all “do not drink” orders might be lifted, as water providers must follow strict state protocols before declaring water safe for consumption.