Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Oh Dam... That's A Lot of Cleanup
The San Gabriel Dam provides flood protection and hydroelectric power to the San Gabriel Valley.
(
Daryl Barker
/
KPCC
)
Following a series of winter storms, Los Angeles County officials are now tackling the clean up of five reservoirs along the south-facing San Gabriel mountain slopes.
Why it matters
(
Courtesy L.A. County
)
Think of dams as a giant bathtub. It works like this: We want to collect as much stormwater as possible. But we also need a way to let the water run off to replenish vegetation and natural habitats.
Support for LAist comes from
And we also need a way to let water out of that big tub if it's in danger or overflowing.
If that outlet is plugged up with sediment and debris that came from wildfires and storms, then that can be a problem.
In the L.A.-area there are 14 dams. Mark Pestrella, Director of L.A. County Department of Public Works said five serve as “the backbone of our water conservation system”
- Pacoima Dam
- Big Tujunga Dam
- Cogswell Dam
- Santa Anita Dam
- San Gabriel Dam
Why action is needed now
Even before this winter, the L.A. County Department of Public Works was preparing to clean up leftover debris from past storms and the Bobcat fire. Then we had a wave of strong storms that added much more debris, filling up the reservoirs quicker than expected.
Worst-case scenario is that the reservoirs are filled to the brim which can be a potential flood risk. That said, Pestrella assures there is no risk of overflow, even if Southern California sees another deluge of rain similar to earlier this month.
What's next
A lot of the reservoirs are overdue for restoration, like the Pacoima Dam which was built in 1929. Another example: The Santa Anita Dam is holding 600,000 cubic yards of muck and silt is blocking two of three valves that release the stormwater.
Support for LAist comes from
Cleaning up the reservoirs will take three years and cost (gulp) $225 million. Pestrella said getting the job done will require continuous support from the state and federal level to keep these reservoirs running smoothly.
Current reservoir levels statewide
More on water districts
Our newsroom's public affairs show AirTalk (which airs on 89.3 FM) recently talked to Michael McNutt, of the Las Virgenes municipal water district and Craig Miller, of the Western Municipal Water District, about what's going on in their areas and water districts overall.
Listen
• 17:37
Was the recent wet weather a boon or bust for water districts?
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Heavy rain is expected to fall in the L.A. area between tonight and Thursday. So take your poncho if you're headed to Dodger Stadium. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings.
-
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
-
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority.
-
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding.
-
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist