A 4.1-million-gallon reservoir in Altadena damaged during the Eaton Fire is among a number of infrastructure projects completed or underway, the Pasadena Department of Water and Power announced Monday.
The Allen Reservoir is back to full functionality following repairs to parts of its structure damaged in the January 2025 wildfire. Crews completed work in April on the concrete-lined, partially buried storage facility built in the 1930s, PWP officials said.
The reservoir operated at half capacity during repair work to keep water service available.
“Repairs included replacing structural members and rebuilding portions of the interior catwalk and handrail to restore the facility to full service,” PWP reported. “Upgrades at the facility also included replacing aged drain valves. After construction, the reservoir was thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and returned to full service.”
The utility operates 14 reservoirs and is largest water provider to Altadena residents, officials said. PWP provides water and electricity to 165,000 residents in a 26-square-mile service area containing 535 miles of water-main pipes.
The Allen Reservoir restoration was among several recent infrastructure projects. The cost of the projects was not immediately available.
“Continued investment in our water infrastructure is important to reliable, high-quality water service, and we appreciate the community’s patience and partnership during the construction work,” PWP General Manager David Reyes said in a statement.
Water infrastructure replacement work this year occurred on Fair Oaks Avenue, Oak Knoll Avenue, Holly Street, Villa Street and Grand Avenue, the utility reported. Additional water main replacement projects are planned or underway on areas of Villa Street, Colorado Boulevard and Wallis Street.
Crews replaced two old water mains — 8‑ and 12‑inch lines that had been in service for more than 90 years — with a new 12‑inch ductile iron main. Trench repair, full‑width pavement resurfacing, curb and gutter repairs, curb ramp improvements and updated road striping were done with the help of the city’s Department of Public Works.
PWP also replaced a 100‑year‑old water main on Oak Knoll Avenue between Colorado and California boulevards. Completed in April, PWP installed nearly 3,800 feet of new 8‑inch ductile iron pipe intended to keep water service reliable. As part of larger ongoing improvements in the area, PWP also installed a 12‑inch water main on Holly Street between Marengo Avenue and North Arroyo Parkway that crews completed in May.
Additional improvements were on Villa Street, where crews replaced a 6‑inch cast iron main that was over 90 years old with an 8‑inch ductile iron line. Officials said crews faced the challenges of working on a narrow, high‑traffic street.
On Grand Avenue between California Boulevard and Green Street, a 90‑year‑old, 4‑ to 6‑inch main was upgraded to a 12‑ to 8‑inch ductile iron pipe, with work finishing in March.
PWP’s current and upcoming water main projects include Villa Street between Hill and Palo Verde avenues, Colorado Boulevard between Patrician Way and Melrose Avenue and Wallis Street between Marengo and Los Robles avenues.
Information about PWP projects are at PWPweb.com/Construction.
