Rancho Palos Verdes Community Update Center
Last update: May 7, 2024, 11:22 pm
While the ground near Portuguese Bend and in other areas within Rancho Palos Verdes has been shifting for decades, we have seen an increase in ground movement recently, particularly following the significant rainfall we received over the past two years. In this same time period, Cal Water has seen an increase in pipe leaks—along with leaks in customer private water lines and other utility lines—in this area.
On this page, we will share updates on what we at Cal Water are doing to address leaks that develop on our water mains, mitigate the occurrence of future water main leaks, and support our communities in Rancho Palos Verdes.
What We are Doing
We are taking a multi-pronged approach to address leaks in this area both immediately and long-term. Current and recently completed projects and their status are listed below. Click the title of a project or leak report (
) for additional information. Leak reports will remain on this page for one week after they have been resolved.
If your water service has been interrupted for a water main repair and you need to purchase bottled water to use during that time, you may send your receipt to us for reimbursement. Simply include your name and account number, and mail it to: California Water Service, Attn: Bottled Water Reimbursement, 2632 West 237th St., Torrance, CA 90505.
For more information on the difference between Cal Water and customer leaks, see the Is Cal Water responsible for plumbing leaks? FAQ.
Current Projects/Leak Reports
Summary: Crew will be stationed in area, so we are closer and can respond more quickly to reported leaks.
Status: Effective until further notice.
Summary: We plan to replace the remaining water main west of Schooner Drive.
Status: Preliminary design completed and in review.
Summary: Cal Water plans to replace 7,000 feet of smaller main with larger-diameter main and install additional main.
Status: Preliminary design completed and in review.
Summary: We have expanded the Vanderlip Trail main replacement to also include a portion of Vanderlip Drive.
Status: The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has cleared the vegetation within the Vanderlip Trail area, and design is underway.
Summary: Crews intend to add above-ground main near the Portuguese Bend Beach Club community.
Status: In initial review.
Summary: Leak detection technicians are "on the ground" to survey infrastructure and listen for active, unsurfaced leaks.
Status: Crews have canvassed Seaview, Portuguese Bend Beach Club, Portuguese Bend Community Association, and other areas.
Summary: Newer materials/methods for water main replacements that may better withstand ground movement are being evaluated.
Status: Evaluation of materials and methods underway.
Summary: Crew walking pipeline path each weekday.
Status: Ongoing since September 8, 2023.
Summary: We have been elevating all water main leaks in Rancho Palos Verdes to our "Code 4"—or highest—response priority, so crews respond to water main leaks as quickly as possible.
Status: Ongoing since early 2023.
Completed Projects/Leak Reports
5/7/2024—Narcissa Drive, near Figtree Summary: Broken main reported in street.
Status: Repair completed, and water service restored.
5/6/2024—Parkhurst Drive and Avenida de Rosa Summary: Possible leak detected Monday in Parkhurst Drive and Avenida de Rosa.
Status: Meter shut off pending customer repair of private irrigation line leak for primary leak, and meter changed for unrelated, smaller leak in area.
5/5/2024—Sweetbay Summary: Water reported coming out of a drainage pipe.
Status: Service shut off pending customer repair.
5/4/2024—Dauntless main movement Summary: Movement of water main reported.
Status: Repairs complete.
5/3/2024—Narcissa Summary: Possible leak reported Friday evening
Status: Repairs complete. Service restored.
5/3/2024—Vanderlip Drive Summary: Possible leak reported Friday morning.
Status: Repair complete. Restoring service.
5/2/2024—Cinnamon Lane, near Narcissa Summary: Main leak found Thursday morning.
Status: Repair completed, and water service restored.
Summary: Crews installing booster connection to help minimize service interruptions when making main repairs.
Status: Construction completed, and booster pump control in use when needed.
Summary: Recent storms washed away soil under parts of the above-ground main, leaving those portions "floating."
Status: Crews added support to the main to keep it stable.
Summary: Crews to begin installation of main above-ground beginning March 4.
Status: Construction completed, and main in service.
Summary: Crews are replacing water main with above-ground main.
Status: Construction completed, and new main in service.
Summary: Crews began and completed work on March 31.
Status: This project has been completed.
Summary: We will install above-ground water pipes in a portion of Seaview.
Status: Water main installation completed January 12.
Summary: This project is designed to enhance water system reliability and reduce the likelihood of leaks.
Status: Completed on Tuesday, November 7
Summary: We have installed water leak detection sensors in strategic locations on the Cal Water distribution system.
Status: Crews installed 60 sensors in September and October
Summary: Crews have installed water pressure monitors in strategic locations in the distribution system to check for shifts in water pressure.
Status: Six monitors installed and functional.
Summary: Contractor will conduct topographic survey for future water system upgrade.
Status: Crews completed survey work Oct. 12.
Summary: Additional water leak repair crews will be made available in the event we experience multiple leaks at the same time.
Status: Second third-party construction company retained to provide backup support for water main leak repairs.