L.A. Has Flow Issues

With water shortages a concern in Southern California, residents are being told to cut back on water usage. With the Department of Water and Power (DWP) reporting 34 ruptures in the L.A. water system since September, the water shortage will affect everyone from farmers to those who simply take a shower.

One of the most recent pipe bursts on Ventura Boulevard when a 95-year-old iron pipe emitted tons of gallons of water all throughout the busy street.

“When you think this was a 100-year-old pipe and only the second time it ruptured…and then so many gallons spilled out into this area and yet there were no injuries, I think we were pretty lucky no one was hurt,” said L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to several local news crews.

It’s unfortunate that local officials react so calmly to such frequent water spills, but starting June 1 residents are being told to pay extra for usage.

This was just one in a series of pipe bursts, and frequent breaks in our water system show up as clear signs of age, rather than a technical glitch. Repairing these pipe bursts will likely be coming out of taxpayer money, adding to the growing concern for L.A.’s out-dated water system.

“Look at your bill. If you have exceeded your Tier 1 water budget, there will be a line that shows Tier 2 pricing,” explained the DWP in its new guidelines. “When the Tier 1 water budget is exceeded, the customer will be subject to Tier 2 prices, which are considerably higher.”

Clearly, there is much we can do individually that can create results, but this shouldn’t be the only solution. If all the progress can be threatened by malfunctions in a neglected water system, the DWP and local officials need to use their power to step in and do their part.

We need long-term solutions that do more than act as damage control because this proves to be an economic and environmental issue that is a top priority. Not only can we not put this off until later or try over again, but people should also take this issue into their own hands.