Rancho Palos Verdes Community Update Center
Last update: July 26, 2024, 11:38 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 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: Cal Water plans to replace 7,000 feet of smaller main with larger-diameter main and install additional main.
Status: Installation underway.
Summary: We have expanded the Vanderlip Trail main replacement to also include a portion of Vanderlip Drive.
Status: Water main alignment along the trail is in final design. Main installation on Vanderlip Drive is completed and in service.
Summary: We plan to replace the remaining water main west of Schooner Drive.
Status: Water main alignment in final design.
Summary: Crews intend to add above-ground main near the Portuguese Bend Beach Club community.
Status: Design completed; preparing for construction.
Summary: Crews plan to install above-ground main in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club, between Yacht Harbor Drive and PV Drive South.
Status: In design process.
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: 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
7/26/24 – Cinnamon Lane
Summary: Possible leak reported Friday morning.
Status: Repairs complete and water restored.
7/25/2024—Figtree and Narcissa
Summary: Possible leak report received Thursday evening.
Status: Repairs complete; water restored.
7/25/2024—Cinnamon Lane
Summary: Leak identified by crew on site Thursday afternoon.
Status: Affected portion of main shut down to stop leak. Repair pending.
7/22/2024—Narcissa Drive
Summary: Possible leak report received late Monday morning.
Status: Leak determined to be on customer's private water line, customer notified.
7/20/2024—Palos Verdes Drive South
Summary: Possible leak report received on Saturday morning.
Status: Repairs complete and water restored.
Summary: Water shutoff report received Friday morning.
Status: Leak determined to be on customer's private water line, customer notified.
Summary: Crews intend to replace a swing joint due to land movement.
Status: Repair is completed and water is restored.
Summary: Leak detection technicians are "on the ground" to survey infrastructure and listen for active, unsurfaced leaks.
Status: Crews have completed canvassing the Peninsula, and we are working with the E-Source team to compile data to determine future survey efforts.
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: 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: 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: 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.