Since last fall, I have worked with my Council colleague David Ryu and the community to ensure the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power remained committed to restoring water in the Silver Lake Reservoir.
LADWP recently announced that above average snowpack runoff from the Eastern Sierra region will refill Silver Lake Reservoir ahead of schedule. Utilizing this source, water will begin flowing in mid-April and take approximately two months. This option replaces the originally planned -May refill of the reservoir using local water resources that would have taken approximately 12 months.
Every inch of rain has been a blessing to this City on so many levels, and in this case, it has provided us with an opportunity to restore the reservoir to historic levels. This was a common request at all of the public meetings on the reservoir project. I want to thank residents and stakeholders for the invaluable input over the last several months, but there is still more work to do.
We are about to embark on a much larger discussion on sustainable plans for the future of the reservoir complex. LADWP has agreed to pay for a master plan for the site, and the Bureau of Engineering is collaborating with department staff to come up with the initial scope to frame the community process, which will roll out by the end of summer. This process will consist of a number of interactive charrette meetings.
Thank you for attending these meetings, and for participating thus far in the public process. I look forward to collaborating with you on the future of the reservoir and its grounds in the months ahead.
Warm regards,
MITCH O’FARRELL
Dion Neutra, AIA, son of famed Silver Lake Architect Richard Neutra has expressed his wishes to see the reservoir filled to the brim, beyond the historic levels. This would provide houses at lake level as well as the houses higher up on the hills the beauty of a lake view.
Consider attending future meetings to voice your opinion as well!
