A massive rupture of a **110-year-old water main** in West Hollywood has caused significant flooding and delayed repair timelines, forcing displaced residents to extend their stays in hotels. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reported "significant progress" Sunday in replacing the broken section, but the original goal to finish temporary repairs by the end of the weekend now appears unlikely [2]. The incident began at 3 a.m. Thursday when a **36-inch riveted steel pipe**, installed in 1916, burst at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Holloway Drive, releasing approximately **17 million gallons** of water into the streets [2][7].
The rupture created dangerous rushing water and a massive sinkhole, closing Sunset Boulevard between Sherburne Drive and San Vicente Boulevard while shutting off power and water to at least two residential buildings [2][3]. LADWP Chief Operating Officer Anselmo G. Collins described the repair process as "slow but the most efficient way to finish," noting that crews must now weld the new pipe section, test for leaks under pressure, disinfect with chlorine, and verify water safety before repaving the road [2]. While drinking water in the area remains safe, some buildings are experiencing low pressure, and residents are urged to conserve water as the area is supplied through a smaller temporary bypass line [2][5].
Displaced residents express frustration as their plans crumble due to the ongoing utility failures. Fletcher Crossman, a resident forced into a hotel, stated that promised power restoration by the previous evening never happened, leaving his ground-floor unit with damaged walls and floors that may require replacement [2]. "We had some people, just came through, and they said we're going to have to take down the walls and replace the floor," Crossman said, noting the uncertainty of finding new housing while repairs continue [2]. Traffic disruptions are expected to extend into the workweek, leaving many waiting to return to normalcy [2].
Residents with damaged property can file claims with the LADWP claims department by calling (213
