Santa Ynez Cover Replacement & S.M. Canyon Channel Concrete Removal Underway

By Laurel Busby

News & Information Editor

Five-to-six weeks of concrete overlay removal has begun in Santa Monica Canyon Channel, while replacement of the floating cover for the Santa Ynez Reservoir is also in process.

The concrete overlay removal by L.A. County Public Works is intended to prevent more slabs dislodging and clogging the creek, which happened earlier this year on Feb. 16. See previous Canyon News article here.

The new floating cover is designed to protect the quality, reliability, and safety of the drinking water, according to City Councilmember Traci Park’s office. The project is expected to continue throughout the month.

Major tears in the old floating cover were repaired in 2022 and early 2025, according to the L.A. Department of Water & Power. During refilling, pinholes were discovered in 2025, potentially compromising the cover’s integrity.

According to the LADWP, the project will protect the stored water from contamination, reduce evaporation, and enhance the reservoir’s reliability. Its scope includes:

• Removal and disposal of the existing floating cover and liner system

• Installation of a new geomembrane liner and floating cover system to meet current water quality and performance standards.

• Upgrades to associated equipment and mechanical features, including venting, pumping, and access systems will take place.

• Inspection, testing, and commissioning of the new system.

The reservoir is expected to be refilled and returned to service between October and December 2026, according to Park’s office.

Further information is available at this link: https://www.ladwp.com/community/construction-projects/west-la/santa-ynez-reservoir-floating-cover-replacement-project

Workers on the Santa Ynez Reservoir floating cover on July 30.

The Santa Ynez Reservoir in July.