Pasadena Water and Power Returns Fire-Damaged Reservoir to Service, Completes Five Water Main Replacements

Pasadena Water and Power has returned a 4.1 million-gallon reservoir damaged in the Eaton Fire to full service and completed five water main replacement projects, the Pasadena-owned utility said in an announcement Monday.

Allen Reservoir, a concrete-lined, partially buried storage facility in Altadena built in the 1930s, was restored to full functionality after sustaining damage in the fire. Half the reservoir remained in operation during the restoration, allowing water service to continue.

Repairs included replacing structural members and rebuilding portions of the interior catwalk and handrail. Crews also replaced aged drain valves. The reservoir was cleaned, disinfected and returned to full service in April 2026.

PWP operates 14 reservoirs across its water service area and is the largest water provider in Altadena, the utility said.

The main replacements were completed in 2026 across a 26-square-mile service area that serves more than 165,000 residents and contains more than 535 miles of water mains.

“Continued investment in our water infrastructure is important to reliable, high-quality water service, and we appreciate the community’s patience and partnership during the construction work,” said David Reyes, Pasadena Water and Power general manager.

On Fair Oaks Avenue between Washington Boulevard and Montana Street, crews replaced two aging mains — an 8-inch and a 12-inch line that had been in service more than 90 years — with a new 12-inch ductile iron main after a year of construction. Trench repair, full-width pavement resurfacing, curb and gutter repairs, curb ramp upgrades and updated roadway striping were completed in partnership with the city’s Department of Public Works.

PWP replaced a 100-year-old water main on Oak Knoll Avenue between Colorado Boulevard and California Boulevard, installing nearly 3,800 feet of new 8-inch ductile iron pipe. That work was completed in April 2026.

As part of larger ongoing improvements in the area, the utility installed a new 12-inch water main on Holly Street between Marengo Avenue and North Arroyo Parkway, completed in May 2026.

On Villa Street, crews replaced a 6-inch cast iron main dating back more than 90 years with a new 8-inch ductile iron line, working on a narrow, high-traffic street. On Grand Avenue between California Boulevard and Green Street, a 90-year-old, 4- to 6-inch main was upgraded to 12- to 8-inch ductile iron pipe, with work completed in March 2026.

Upcoming replacement projects include Villa Street between Hill Avenue and Palo Verde Avenue, Colorado Boulevard between Patrician Way and Melrose Avenue, and Wallis Street between Marengo Avenue and Los Robles Avenue.

Project information is available at PWPweb.com/Construction. The City Service Center can be reached at (626) 744-7311, Monday through Friday during business hours.