Crews continue making progress replacing broken pipe in West Hollywood
ByMadison Weil
Sunday, July 19, 2026 2:38PM
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (KABC) –Department of Water and Power crews have made “significant progress” replacing the broken section of a 110-year-old water pipe that sent roughly 17 million gallons of water into the streets of West Hollywood, officials said Sunday
A new section of pipeline was installed after a 25-foot damaged section ruptured on Thursday
The circa-1916, riveted-steel 36-inch-wide trunk line broke open at 3 a.m. Thursday on Sunset Boulevard at Holloway Drive. Now, Sunset remains closed between Sherburne Drive and San Vicente Boulevard, and at least two residential buildings are still without water and power. Other nearby streets were also closed
Several streets in West Hollywood were flooded with rushing water following a massive water main break overnight.
Despite the progress, traffic disruptions could extend into the workweek, and some people may be stuck staying in hotels for a few more days as they wait for their water service to return
The original goal was to have the temporary repair finished by the end of the weekend, but that timeline now appears to be slipping as crews work through the final steps before the pipe can go back into service
Workers spent the night welding a new section of the 110-year-old water main into place. Now comes the careful part
The pipe has to be pressurized, checked for leaks, disinfected with chlorine and tested to make sure the water is safe to drink before the trench can be filled and the street can be repaved, reopening the stretch of Sunset Boulevard
“It’s a slow process, but it’s the most efficient way of getting it done as well,” said Anselmo G. Collins, the COO of LADWP
Engineering experts continue to warn that Los Angeles’ aging infrastructure is at risk, and data shows the LADWP isn’t always meeting its own targets.
While the repairs continue, many of the people who live in the area are still waiting to get back to normal, and are worried about how long they may be displaced
“Got no power. They said they were going to bring it on by yesterday evening, but they didn’t. So we ended up in a hotel. And it’s still off at the moment,” said displaced resident Fletcher Crossman. “And we had some people, just came through, and they said we’re going to have to take down the walls and replace the floor, because we’re on the ground floor. And so, we’re now just processing that. Because obviously that means we’re going to have to find somewhere else to live. And all the little plans you make, and dinner parties, and all this stuff, you suddenly realize that everything has gone out the window for quite a long time.”
“I think this is ridiculous. I think the city should’ve attended this way sooner. I think it could’ve been prevented,” one person told Eyewitness News
“They’re doing a phenomenal job, as you can see, I mean, they’re working 24-7,” said WeHo resident Elaine Morrison
LADWP officials said drinking water remains safe, though some nearby buildings are experiencing low water pressure. Residents and businesses near the break are being asked to conserve water while repairs continue and the area is supplied through a temporary, much smaller pipe
Even after this fix is complete, this water main isn’t done
LADWP says the aging pipeline had already been slated for a full replacement, but that larger project isn’t expected to start until 2031 and isn’t expected to be completed until 2035. The full project includes replacing nearly 10 miles of water pipe
“While repairs to the damaged 25-foot section are being completed now, LADWP will continue moving forward with the long-term replacement plan,” the agency said
Officials said anyone with property or vehicle damage can file a claim through LADWP at ladwp.com/claims
City News Service contributed to this report
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