Last update: February 14, 2025, 9:16 pm
While the ground near Portuguese Bend and in other areas within Rancho Palos Verdes has been shifting for decades, we have seen an increase in ground movement recently, particularly following the significant rainfall we received over the past two years. In this same time period, Cal Water has seen an increase in pipe leaks—along with leaks in customer private water lines and other utility lines—in this area.
On this page, we will share updates on what we at Cal Water are doing to address leaks that develop on our water mains, mitigate the occurrence of future water main leaks, and support our communities in Rancho Palos Verdes.
What We are Doing
We are taking a multi-pronged approach to address leaks in this area both immediately and long-term. Current and recently completed projects and their status are listed below. Click the title of a project or leak report (
) for additional information. Leak reports will remain on this page for one week after they have been resolved.
If your water service has been interrupted for a water main repair and you need to purchase bottled water to use during that time, you may send your receipt to us for reimbursement. Simply include your name and account number, and mail it to: California Water Service, Attn: Bottled Water Reimbursement, 2632 West 237th St., Torrance, CA 90505.
For more information on the difference between Cal Water and customer leaks, see the Is Cal Water responsible for plumbing leaks? FAQ.
Current Projects/Leak Reports
Summary: Crew walking pipeline path each weekday.
Status: Ongoing since September 8, 2023.
Summary: We have been elevating all water main leaks in Rancho Palos Verdes to our "Code 4"—or highest—response priority, so crews respond to water main leaks as quickly as possible.
Status: Ongoing since early 2023.
Completed Projects/Leak Reports
Summary: Additional above-ground main being installed near the top of Vanderlip Drive.
Status: New main connected to water system on Dec. 11, 2024.
Summary: Crews installing about 400' of above-ground main.
Status: Project completed; new main tied into water system Nov. 20.
Summary: Cal Water plans to replace 7,000 feet of smaller main with larger-diameter main and install additional main.
Status: Final tie-in along lower Narcissa completed Thursday, Nov. 14.
Summary: Crews connecting newly installed water main into the water system Oct. 23-24
Status: Tie-ins completed, and new water mains are in service.
Summary: Crews intend to add above-ground main near the Portuguese Bend Beach Club community.
Status: Construction completed along the PV Drive South frontage. Additional above-ground main installed and in service near Yacht Harbor & Spindrift.
Summary: Newer materials/methods for water main replacements that may better withstand ground movement are being evaluated.
Status: Evaluation of materials and methods underway.
Summary: We have expanded the Vanderlip Trail main replacement to also include a portion of Vanderlip Drive.
Status: Water main alignment along the trail is in final design. Main installation on Vanderlip Drive is completed and in service.
Summary: Leak detection technicians are "on the ground" to survey infrastructure and listen for active, unsurfaced leaks.
Status: Crews have completed canvassing the Peninsula, and we are working with the E-Source team to compile data to determine future survey efforts.
Summary: Crews installing booster connection to help minimize service interruptions when making main repairs.
Status: Construction completed, and booster pump control in use when needed.
Summary: Crews to begin installation of main above-ground beginning March 4.
Status: Construction completed, and main in service.
Summary: Crews are replacing water main with above-ground main.
Status: Construction completed, and new main in service.
Summary: This project is designed to enhance water system reliability and reduce the likelihood of leaks.
Status: Completed on Tuesday, November 7
Summary: We have installed water leak detection sensors in strategic locations on the Cal Water distribution system.
Status: Crews installed 60 sensors in September and October
Summary: Crews have installed water pressure monitors in strategic locations in the distribution system to check for shifts in water pressure.
Status: Six monitors installed and functional.
Summary: Additional water leak repair crews will be made available in the event we experience multiple leaks at the same time.
Status: Second third-party construction company retained to provide backup support for water main leak repairs.
Checking for leaks on your property
Leaks can also occur on customers’ private water lines, valves, hoses, sprinklers, and pools. Here are some ways you can spot a leak on your property.
- Yard leaks: Look for wet spots or patches of grass that are greener than the rest of your yard—these could indicate a leak in the pipe.
- Broken sprinklers: Check your sprinkler system for any broken sprinkler heads or leaks.
- Pool leaks: Keep an eye on the water level in your pool. If it’s losing an eighth of an inch or more per day, there’s likely a leak.
- Unsure if you have a leak: Turn off the water inside and outside your home, and check your water meter. If the small leak indicator dial spins, water is still pushing through the meter. (Please note the meter lid is heavy; please remove carefully.)
DISCLAIMER: The land movement in the Rancho Palos Verdes area is a long-term but rapidly evolving situation, and Cal Water seeks to provide accurate and reliable information as timely as possible. However, given the unpredictable nature of land movement and associated impacts, Cal Water cannot guarantee the information will stay current, accurate, or complete.
Contact Us Directly
If you notice a water leak that is not listed, please call us toll-free at
(855) RPV-LEAK
(855) 778-5325
Local number: (310) 602-5081
Contacting us by phone is the fastest way for us to address leaks.
Stay informed
We will be sending email updates periodically about what’s happening with Cal Water in the Rancho Palos Verdes slide area. Please complete this form if you would like to receive these email updates. Previous issues of the newsletter are also available to view online.
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Rancho Palos Verdes Community Update Newsletters
Cal Water’s newsletters update Rancho Palos Verdes residents on responses to increased land movement.
View RPV Community Update Newsletter
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