Los Angeles water main ruptures flood streets, create sinkhole

On July 16, a 36‑inch cast‑iron water pipe on Sunset Boulevard and Holloway Drive in West Hollywood burst, flooding streets, forming a sinkhole, submerging vehicles and damaging nearby businesses such as Dialog Café. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) began repairs but recurring leaks forced a shift to a temporary plan.

A second rupture occurred on July 23 near Santa Monica Boulevard and Laurel Avenue, again involving a century‑old pipe. The break halted work on the first site and led LADWP to abandon the damaged section and adopt a “Plan B” approach to isolate the pipe while maintaining water service.

A third break hit on July 26 at the intersection of Romaine Street and North Wilson Place near Paramount Studios and Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The fire department closed the street; no injuries were reported, and about 10‑20 customers lost water service while crews worked to repressurize the line.