Water revamp trickles slowly

By the Editorial Team · Monday, July 27, 2026

A century-old water pipeline broke on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood on July 16, causing significant flooding and damage to local businesses and vehicles. The incident highlights the challenges Los Angeles faces in updating its aging water infrastructure, where nearly a third of pipes are over 80 years old, and underscores the complexities of balancing replacement efforts with financial and practical constraints.

A century-old water pipeline rupture on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by Los Angeles’ aging water infrastructure. The break, which occurred on July 16, caused extensive flooding and damaged businesses and vehicles in the area.

The pipeline in question was originally installed in 1916, when Los Angeles was a much smaller city of around 500,000 residents. Since then, the metropolis has grown to a population nearing 4 million, with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) now managing approximately 6,800 miles of smaller pipes ranging between 4 and 20 inches in diameter, and another 570 miles of larger trunk lines. About 30% of these underground mains are more than 80 years old, a figure far exceeding the percentage of elderly residents in the county.

The recent break severely affected local businesses, including the Dialog restaurant, whose owner, Tadeh Ghazalian, reported significant damage and uncertainty about reopening and rehiring staff. A nearby Metro bus yard also experienced flooding, leading to the destruction of numerous vehicles.

Experts note that the longevity and condition of water pipes depend on multiple factors beyond age alone. USC engineering professor Lucio Soibelman explained that environmental factors such as soil compaction and groundwater levels can significantly impact pipe integrity. He pointed out that some pipes lasting over 100 years remain in good condition, emphasizing that age does not necessarily dictate failure.

The utility is currently replacing about 45 miles of pipes annually, with new installations designed to last up to 150 years. However, some observers, like Loyola Marymount University engineering professor Joseph Reichenberger, suggest this effort should have begun several decades ago to prevent such breaks. Yet, Soibelman defended LADWP’s approach, noting that Los Angeles experiences fewer water main breaks than older American cities such as Philadelphia and Boston and maintains a below-average rate of leaks nationwide due to advanced monitoring and management techniques.

Increasing the pace of pipe replacement is complicated by practical and financial constraints. LADWP water systems chief Anselmo Collins said accelerating projects would require expanding the workforce, causing more traffic disruptions, and increasing rates for consumers. In an era when infrastructure repair costs are rising, balancing public expectations and budget limitations remains a persistent challenge.

Comparisons with other cities highlight the scale of the problem. For example, Cambridge, England, is currently undertaking a five-year project to replace roughly 150 miles of pipes, some dating back to the mid-19th century, while managing ongoing drought restrictions.

The 1916 pipeline rupture on Sunset Boulevard serves as a reminder of Los Angeles’ water system history and the complexities involved in maintaining an infrastructure that has served the city for over a century. While efforts to modernize the system continue, residents and businesses remain vulnerable to disruptions caused by the aging underground network.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.