Smaller water districts were hit hardest by L.A. firestorms, UCLA report finds

The January firestorms damaged water systems in large areas of Altadena and Pacific Palisades. In a new report, UCLA researchers examine the toll on 11 different water systems.

The report notes that some smaller water suppliers have limited access to funds to help rebuild their damaged systems.

The January firestorms that swept through Altadena and Pacific Palisades destroyed not only thousands of homes but also portions of the water and sewer systems that served them.

Smaller water systems were hit the hardest, according to a study by UCLA researchers released Thursday. In Altadena, for example, the burned areas covered 79% of Rubio Cañon Land & Water Assn.’s service area and 88% of Las Flores Water Co.’s territory.

By comparison, less than 5% of the Los Angeles Department of Water an