PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — A joint memo from California EPA, CAL FIRE and the Department of Water Resources concluded the Palisades water system lost pressure because of flow rate, not supply.
Santa Ynez Reservoir could have added only about 5,500 gallons per minute, and once hydrant demand plus leakage exceeded the system's 42,500 gpm ceiling, pressure could not have been maintained even with the reservoir full. The finding rebuts a central claim in the post-fire blame debate.
Who’s involved
- California Natural Resources Agency
- CAL FIRE
- California Department of Water Resources
Where to get help
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