A major earthquake in California, dubbed the “Big One,” has been foretold for decades. Reporting for AfroLA and with support from the Fund, investigative journalist Katie Licari found that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is not prepared for a major earthquake. If the “Big One” hit, L.A. will be cut off from 88% of its water supply, and it would take over a year to get the aqueduct system back online. The LADWP said its plan in the event of the “Big One” includes tapping into an EPA Superfund site contaminated with a known carcinogen. In contrast, neighboring Orange County produces 85% of its own water supply and its residents would be without water for up to a week in the event of the “Big One,” while Angelenos may not have clean, drinkable water for more than a year.
Grantee finds Los Angeles water utility ill-prepared for major earthquake
