Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) has restored an Altadena reservoir damaged in the Eaton Fire and completed a series of water main replacement projects across Pasadena as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the city’s aging water infrastructure.
The Allen Reservoir, a 4.1-million-gallon facility in Altadena that sustained damage during the fire, was returned to full service in April after repairs to structural components, the interior catwalk and handrails, according to the city. Aging drain valves were also replaced.
“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,” PWP General Manager David Reyes said.
The concrete-lined, partially buried reservoir was built in the 1930s and is one of 14 reservoirs operated by Pasadena Water and Power. The utility, which is the largest water provider in Altadena, kept half of the reservoir operating while repairs were underway to maintain water service.
After construction was completed, crews cleaned and disinfected the reservoir before returning it to full operation.
The restoration comes as PWP continues a broader program to replace aging water mains throughout its 26-square-mile service area. The utility provides water to more than 165,000 residents through a system containing more than 535 miles of water mains.
Among the largest projects completed this year was the replacement of two aging water mains on Fair Oaks Avenue between Washington Boulevard and Montana Street. The 8-inch and 12-inch mains had been in service for more than 90 years and were replaced with a new 12-inch ductile iron main following about a year of construction.
The project also included pavement resurfacing, trench repairs, curb and gutter work, curb ramp upgrades and new roadway striping in partnership with the Pasadena Department of Public Works.
On Oak Knoll Avenue between Colorado and California boulevards, crews replaced a century-old water main with nearly 3,800 feet of new 8-inch ductile iron pipe. That project was completed in April.
A new 12-inch water main on Holly Street between Marengo Avenue and North Arroyo Parkway was completed in May.
PWP also replaced a more than 90-year-old, 6-inch cast iron main on Villa Street with a new 8-inch ductile iron line. On Grand Avenue between California Boulevard and Green Street, a roughly 90-year-old main ranging from 4 to 6 inches was replaced with 8- to 12-inch ductile iron pipe. That work was completed in March.
Additional water main projects are planned or underway on Villa Street between Hill and Palo Verde avenues, Colorado Boulevard between Patrician Way and Melrose Avenue, and Wallis Street between Marengo and Los Robles avenues.
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