Metropolitan Water District Pipeline Shutdown Prompts Precautionary Measures by Pasadena Water and Power

Pasadena Water and Power is preparing to implement precautionary measures to ensure minimal impact on the City’s water supplies when the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) shuts down water deliveries for 10 days, between Feb. 5 and 14.

MWD must temporarily shut down its pipeline for valve maintenance and facility inspection. Pasadena typically draws about 60% of its water from MWD.

Sidney Jackson, PWP General Manager, said they anticipate minimal disruption to water deliveries during February, a month that typically experiences cooler and wetter weather conditions.

To mitigate potential impacts, PWP is taking several measures, including holding greater volumes of water in its reservoir tanks, utilizing local groundwater supplies, and allowing a partial flow of MWD supplies, when available, during the shutdown period. Jackson said PWP has coordinated with MWD in order to prepare for the reduced supplies and ensure continued deliveries to PWP customers.

In anticipation of the disruption, PWP is reaching out to key account customers and other large commercial consumers to seek their cooperation in curtailing outdoor water use during the shutdown period. The utility will monitor usage closely.

If dry weather conditions persist through January, PWP said outreach efforts may be expanded to include customers throughout the service area, encouraging them to voluntarily reduce outdoor watering.

The city currently operates under a Level 2 Water Supply Shortage Plan, where outdoor watering is restricted to one day per week, through March 31.

Jackson said PWP appreciates the community’s support and observance of these Level 2 guidelines to help stretch critical water supplies.

For more useful information about conserving water, visit www.PWPweb.com/SaveWater.