Rancho Palos Verdes Community Update Center
Last update: December 8, 2023, 8:15 am
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 year. 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 48 hours after they have been resolved.
Current Projects/Leak Reports
Summary: We will install temporary, above-ground water pipes in a portion of Seaview.
Status: Construction in progress.
Summary: Cal Water plans to replace 7,000 feet of smaller main with larger-diameter main and install additional main.
Status: Currently in design phase.
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: 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
12/8/2023—Narcissa Drive near administration building
Summary: Possible leak reported Friday morning.
Status: Leak determined to be on customer's private line.
12/6/2023—Narcissa Drive, near Vanderlip Drive
Summary: Possible leak reported Wednesday afternoon.
Status: Repair completed and water service restored.
12/5/2023—Ginger Root Ln, between Cinnamon and Narcissa
Summary: Possible leak reported Tuesday morning
Status: Repair completed, and water service restored.
Summary: This project is designed to enhance water system reliability and reduce the likelihood of leaks.
Status: Completed on Tuesday, November 7
Summary: We are installing additional water leak detection sensors in strategic locations on the Cal Water distribution system.
Status: Crews installed 25 additional sensors the week of October 18.
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: Crews installed water leak detection sensors in strategic locations on the Cal Water distribution system.
Status: All 35 planned sensors installed.
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.