LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 19, 2001 — Extending efforts to provide its customers with a dependable supply of high-quality water, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) today officially announced the completion of the Rowena Reservoir, located in the Los Feliz/Silver Lake area, at the corner of Rowena and Hyperion avenues.
The new Rowena Reservoir is actually a reinforced 10 million gallon tank hidden beneath the upper-tiered portion of a nearly four-acre pond, which includes waterfalls, gardens and artificial rockwork.
The project, bordered by an ornamental iron fence, was designed as part of a collaborative effort of the LADWP and community groups, including the Rowena Water Committee and the Coalition to Preserve Open Reservoirs (CPOR).
"The LADWP is proud to have been able to work with the community to develop a project that meets our goal of providing the people of Los Angeles with the highest quality water while complementing the aesthetics of this wonderful neighborhood," said Gerald Gewe, LADWP assistant general manager, Water.
"Rowena reflects the cooperation that can occur when a government agency listens and responds to the community. This is a win-win situation for the LADWP and this neighborhood," said Lynne Hill, Rowena Water Committee.
"The LADWP developed a value asset for the future of Los Angeles in partnership with the community, enhancing both the quality of water and the quality of life. This has been a groundbreaking and historic team effort," added Molly Collins, Rowena Water Committee.
The Rowena Reservoir is the first of 10 similar projects to be completed through the LADWP's Water Quality Improvement Program. The reservoir, which the city originally acquired in 1902, will provide water for more than 4,300 homes and businesses in the central Los Angeles area.
The overall project design was a collaboration of the local community in partnership with the LADWP and selected consultants. This vision was brought to reality utilizing contractors with specific expertise. Engineering firm Dames and Moore handled the initial design study. SSC Construction was the general contractor and tank builder, working with firms including Larson Co. to handle the pond's construction and marina landscape.
Melendrez Design Partners, an L.A.-based architectural firm, also led a team of engineers and architects in the final waterscape and landscape design development, which included:
David Mesa, architect, building architecture;
STO Design Group, water feature design; and
William Yang & Associates, electrical and mechanical engineering.
The original 5.7-acre reservoir stored 31 million gallons of water until it was temporarily taken out of service and closed for reconstruction due to seismic concerns in 1992. In its present state, Rowena remains a landmark for the Los Feliz/Silver Lake community and an important component for LADWP's water supply system.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power serves more than 3.8 million people in Los Angeles and was established almost 100 years ago to provide water and electric needs to the city's businesses and residents.
