Pacific Palisades residents can now monitor water pollution online

Pacific Palisade residents who cannot safely use tap water due to carcinogens in the system have a new tool to track the progress of their utilities in flushing pollutants.

Since January 10, most Pacific Palisade communities have been under a “no alcohol” order when LADWP advised residents to avoid drinking tap water or for specific purposes.

Three days after the fire in Palisades began, benzene (carcinogens present in gasoline, paint) can be detected in the water distribution system with great caution.

More than a dozen volatile organic compounds have been detected during the recent testing period and traced them back to a specific community. LADWP officials did not disclose which community, but said they are working to clean the area's systems and will test it before water that is considered safe to use.

To keep customers up to date, LADWP has launched the Palisades water quality repair dashboard. It will provide residents with the latest information on the progress of the system in the utility's cleaning system and let them know when to use and drink water safely.

LADWP lifted existing “drink” notices to customers east of Temescal Canyon Road and south of Bestor Boulevard on Tuesday; estimated 2,000 structures that were not burned can now be consumed using tap water.

How does the dashboard work?

The dashboard details plans to flush pollutants and restore water to drink, a map of the Notify area and a chart showing the recovery status of the entire Palisade community, divided into 113 areas.

Check which service area you are in and the water quality recovery status in it:

1. Click the Do Not Drink Notification Area – Map tab above the Background section near the top of the website.
2. Enter your address into the “Input Address Box” and click the magnifying glass icon. You can also click on the map and zoom in on your area to find your street.
3. When you determine the area you are in, find it on the top bar of the page and click it.
4. On the corresponding page, you will be able to view the current test results and VOC detection, as well as what steps have been completed during the recovery process and what still needs to be done. The green check mark means that the utility has completed a step in the restoration process. The blue check mark means that the task is still being processed.

How often does the dashboard update?

LADWP officials said there is no set rhythm to update the dashboard. When progress is made, the dashboard will be updated.

They recommend checking the dashboard regularly for updates.

How do I know when my area will be cleared from contaminants?

You can view the green check mark next to “Lift No Drink Notification” for the progress chart for your area.

LADWP will also notify customers of update status via email, door-to-door notifications, pre-order phone messages, local signage and social media channels.

What should customers do when the “no drinking” notification is raised?

Once a notice is made, you must rinse the water before using it, LADWP officials said.

Here are the tips for the utility:

• Remove the aerator and screen from all faucets. Set the water supply equipment and filters to the point of use and the entire house in “Bypass mode”.
• Turn on and rinse any external fixtures, hose bib and faucet for about 10 minutes, or until water is cleared and the temperature is constant.
• Start with the tap closest to the water pipe and run all cold water taps on the property. Run the water at the highest flow rate (or fully on) for about 10 minutes, or until the water is cleared and the temperature is constant. Then turn off all faucets in reverse order.
• Flush all toilets and urinals. Do this at least once, but repeat if you are not sure about replenishing water.
• Drain your hot water tank to drain any accumulated sediment. Wait for the hot water tank to refille and rinse, as in step 3.
• Clean the aerator and screen and reinstall it to the faucet, shower head and fixtures.
• During the rinse cycle, run the empty dishwasher and washing machine at once. Ice manufacturer bin empty ice; run ice manufacturer and discard the other two batches of ice.
• Restore all remove filters and reset all water equipment from Bypass Mode.

Please use with tap water during the “No Drink” notification

Do. Wash clothes in the washing machine with cold water. Avoid using the dryer if it is not exhausted outside. Instead, hang dry clothes.

Do. Shower with cold water, but do not raise the temperature. Hot water and steam evaporate these compounds and create exposure pathways.

Do. Wash your hands with tap water and soap.

No. Try to treat the water yourself. Boil, freeze, add chlorine or other disinfectant or let the water rack not make it safe.

No. Use tap water for food preparation or cooking.

No. Wash your pets with tap water.

No. Use your hot tub or pool.

No. Wash the hand tray with tap water; instead, use a dishwasher and use an air dryer setup.

Where can you pick up free bottled water during “no drinking”?

LADWP distributes bottled water to affected customers at the following distribution locations.

• Palisades Branch Library861 Alma Real Drive, Pacific Palisades. Access to this location may be limited to customers who reside within the area.
• Country Canyon Entertainment Center601 Latimer Road, Santa Monica.
• LADWP trailer facilities16701 Calle Arbolada, Pacific Palisades. Access to this location may be limited to customers who reside within the area.
• Calvary ChurchPacific Palisades 701 N. Palisades Drive. Access to this location may be limited to customers who reside within the area.

All locations are open from 8am to 4pm 7 days a week for more information by calling (800) 342-5397.

Time worker Noah Haggerty contributed to the report.