local
LADWP crews install new pipe after water main break, but return to normalcy still unclear
By Karla Rendon at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 18, 2026
· 3 min read
With crews working around the clock to fix a ruptured water main that shut down West Hollywood’s busiest street earlier this week, officials are looking to achieve three things before declaring things can return to normal in the city.
Water rushed through a West Hollywood neighborhood early Th...
Key takeaway Los Angeles Department of Water and Power said the ruptured main was a 36-inch riveted steel pipe that was installed in 1916.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The ruptured water main in West Hollywood has brought attention to the city's aging infrastructure, with the broken pipe dating back to 1916. As crews work to complete the repairs, the community remains impacted by the closure of its busiest street. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's efforts to replace the damaged section with a new pipe expected to last 200 years is a step towards modernizing the city's water system. However, the uncertainty surrounding the return to normalcy, with factors like pressure tests and disinfection still pending, means that residents and businesses will have to wait a little longer for a sense of stability to return. The city's reliance on a functional water system and open streets highlights the need for continued investment in infrastructure to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? With crews working around the clock to fix a ruptured water main that shut down West Hollywood’s busiest street earlier this week, officials are looking to achieve three things before declaring things can return to normal in the city.
Water rushed through a West Hollywood neighborhood early Th...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Karla Rendon at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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