Tower valves opened to begin refilling Silver Lake Reservoir Complex ahead of schedule

After having drained the historic Silver Lake Reservoir in late 2015 to prepare for the construction of the Silver Lake Reservoir Complex (SLRC) Bypass Project, Los Angeles area officials gathered earlier this week to crank open the tower valves to begin refilling the Silver Lake complex ahead of schedule. Councilmembers David Ryu (CD 4) and Mitch O’Farrell (CD 13) were accompanies by Richard Harasick, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) senior assistant general manager, in opening the tower valves.

In opening the tower valves water is expected to first fill smaller Ivanhoe Reservoir and then spill over into the adjacent and larger Silverwood Lake Reservoir within about two weeks. Thanks to an abundant, above-average snow year in the Eastern Sierra LADWP has surplus Los Angeles Aqueduct water to fill Ivanhoe and Silver Lake Reservoirs ahead of the originally-planned May refill date.

“After years of drought, we finally had above average precipitation across California. As a result, the Sierra snowpack is over 200 percent of normal. As the snow melts, the over-abundance of water will come our way via the aqueduct. For this reason, we have a unique opportunity to restore water to the reservoir sooner than anticipated,” said Councilmember O’Farrell. “I want to thank Silver Lake Reservoir area residents for the invaluable input we received over the last several months, and who are understandably passionate to bring the water back. But we must now take the long view and plan for a sustainable future for the reservoir complex that enhances the environment and the quality of life for all users, including families and wildlife.”

Water is expected to reach Silver Lake Reservoir’s historic level of 440 feet above sea level within approximately two months thanks to flows at a rate of about 5,600 gallons per minute. Original estimates from LADWP had indicated it would take a year to refill the reservoir to that level using water that would be piped from an existing groundwater well. LADWP still plans to connect the groundwater well to maintain the reservoir levels as water naturally evaporates.

At a ceremony to open the tower valves, LADWP’s Harasick said, “Today is about delivering on a promise we made to the community to restore these two reservoirs, which are so vital to the folks who live, work and recreate here, and we’re achieving it sooner than expected.”

Councilmember Ryu expressed his appreciation to the LADWP for the completion of the Silver Lake Reservoir Complex job saying, “I want to thank the Department of Water and Power for holding true to their promise to refill the Silver Lake Reservoir as soon as possible. This is a big win for the nearby residents and all Angelenos alike. Over the coming months, we will continue to work with all stakeholders in a transparent and engaging community process as we discuss the long-term future of the reservoir.”