A new 10 million-gallon prestressed concrete tank, related controls and piping was built to replace the functions of the old open Rowena Reservoir. These were vital improvements needed to provide full operational reliability and flexibility to the existing water system infrastructure. This project was completed in 2001 at a cost of approximately $21 million.

The Rowena Reservoir Project was the culmination of over 6 years of intensive negotiations and commitments with the neighborhood residents that joined to form the Rowena Water Committee of the Coalition to Preserve Open Reservoirs (CPOR). Through the use of mediation, consensus was reached for a project that best serves the Department’s and ratepayers interests while preserving the neighborhood character.

Mitigation includes construction of two large water ponds with waterfalls, a liner and leak detection system to protect the potable water tank, artificial rockwork, and extensive landscaping. A new filtration system and treatment facility was also constructed to maintain the water features.

Located in the Los Feliz Council District 4, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power acquired Wicks Reservoir in 1902. It was reconstructed and renamed Rowena Reservoir in 1910. The rebuilt reservoir had a wooden truss roof that eventually deteriorated and was later removed in 1942. The reservoir had a surface area of 5.7 acres and a storage capacity of 31 million gallons.

The open reservoir remained in service until 1992 providing regulatory and emergency storage of potable water. It acted as a sand-settling basin for pumped groundwater, was a forebay for the Rowena Pumping Station, and regulated transfers of water from the Metropolitan Water District. A nursery once occupied the property and Landscape Maintenance staff reported out of this facility. The State Division of Safety of Dams ordered it to be drained by because of seismic concerns for its earthfill dam.

Interim piping improvements were constructed to supply the Rowena Pumping Station and to regulate supply from Eagle Rock Reservoir. A 72-in diameter bypass pipeline was built in 1995 to allow room for the future tank. An innovative and cost-effective stone column tank foundation was constructed in 1996. Metering functions were relocated to allow for the demolition of an old building structure. Temporary mitigations were built to screen the empty reservoir. Landscape maintenance staff that previously reported to the Rowena Reservoir site was relocated to remodeled facilities built at our Worthen Avenue Yard.

The State Division of Safety of Dams ordered the Department of Water and Power (DWP) to drain Rowena Reservoir in April 1992 after its dam was determined to be seismically unsafe. The Rowena Reservoir Project was divided into several phases to maintain water delivery, replace the lost storage to the central part of the City, and restore the visual character of the property.

The State Division of Safety of Dams ordered the Department of Water and Power (DWP) to drain Rowena Reservoir in April 1992 after its dam was determined to be seismically unsafe. The Rowena Reservoir Replacement Project was divided into several phases to maintain water delivery, replace the lost storage to the central part of the City, and restore the visual character of the property.


Interim improvements were constructed immediately after the old reservoir was drained in 1992. A 72-inch diameter bypass pipeline was built to allow room for a new storage tank. A new 10 million-gallon prestressed concrete tank, related controls and piping was built to replace the functions of the old reservoir.

Because the old reservoir provided a tranquil and scenic view to the local residents for many years, the DWP worked with volunteer representatives from the Rowena community to develop the replacement project to restore the water view and scenic landscape improvements.

Because the old reservoir provided a tranquil and scenic view to the local residents for many years, the DWP has worked with volunteer representatives from the Rowena community to develop this replacement project, which restores the water view and incorporates scenic landscape improvements.

The Rowena Reservoir Replacement Project was the culmination of over 6 years of intensive negotiations and commitments with the neighborhood residents that joined to form the Rowena Water Committee of the Coalition to Preserve Open Reservoirs (CPOR).

Through the use of mediation, consensus was reached for a project that best serves the Department’s and ratepayers interests while preserving the neighborhood character. Mitigation includes construction of two water features with waterfalls, a liner and leak detection system to protect the potable water tank, artificial rockwork, and extensive landscaping.