BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
As Los Angeles begins to heal from the wildfires that have devastated neighborhoods and left thousands displaced, a quieter crisis lingers beneath the surface—ensuring safe drinking water for returning residents. In places like Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena, where homes once stood, the task of rebuilding lives includes addressing the unseen but critical risk of water contamination.
In moments like these, the strength of communities shines brightest. By staying informed and working together, we can take steps to protect ourselves, our neighbors, and our most vital resources.
Dr. Andrew J. Whelton, a professor of Civil, Environmental, and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University, is a leading expert in the recovery of water systems after disasters. His insights remind us that while the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable.
How do wildfires impact water?
Wildfires don’t just leave visible destruction—they can disrupt water systems in profound and often invisible ways. High water use during firefighting efforts can drain reservoirs, leaving pipes and tanks depressurized. This creates vulnerabilities, as contaminants from smoke, ash, and heat-damaged infrastructure can enter the water supply.
Plastic pipes, for example, can partially melt in extreme heat, releasing harmful chemicals like benzene—a compound linked to serious health risks. Dr. Whelton explains, “These chemicals can stick to the infrastructure surfaces and even penetrate some plastic pipes, releasing them into clean drinking water slowly over time.”
It’s no surprise, then, that some residents returning home might face water that isn’t just unsafe to drink but could cause immediate illness. Symptoms like nausea, headaches, and rashes are all warning signs to watch for, and this makes listening to local water safety advisories essential.
Protecting our health, one step at a time
In challenging times, simple actions can make a big difference. Residents can start by closely following updates from water utilities and health officials about testing and treatment efforts. Safety depends on proper chemical testing—ensuring water systems are analyzed for the right contaminants and testing is carried out by trained professionals.
Dr. Whelton emphasizes the importance of collaboration, noting that in many cases, recovery is faster and more effective when communities rely on guidance from experts and local officials. Fortunately, a new guide published in 2024 provides a vital roadmap for communities to address water safety after wildfires, helping utilities and property owners navigate the path to recovery.
What about testing at home?
For families eager to take control of their water safety, caution is key when testing or treating home water systems. Experiences from past disasters, like the 2018 Camp Fire and the 2023 Maui wildfires, show that some well-meaning efforts can lead to wasted time and money:
- Water samples may be mishandled, resulting in unreliable results.
- Incorrect tests might miss key fire-related contaminants.
- Samples might not be taken from the right parts of a home’s plumbing system.
Dr. Whelton advises waiting for updates from water authorities before investing in home testing or treatment systems. “Treating water is not advised until the levels of contamination are known,” he explains, noting that even home water treatment devices may not be capable of addressing extreme contamination.
Finding hope in the recovery
Recovering safe water after a wildfire isn’t easy, but it is possible—and communities in Los Angeles are not alone in this effort. Across the nation, cities have faced similar challenges and emerged stronger through shared knowledge and collective care.
“When communities work together and support one another, they recover faster and stronger,” Dr. Whelton reminds us. This sentiment resonates deeply in times of crisis, highlighting that hope often lies in connection, compassion, and determination.
Together, we can rebuild
Los Angeles has weathered challenges before, and its strength lies in its people. Whether it’s offering support to a neighbor, sharing a tip from a trusted source, or patiently waiting for updates from officials, every small action contributes to the larger goal: rebuilding safer, healthier communities for everyone.
As we move forward, let’s remember that resilience is built not just on restoring what was lost but also on the care we show one another.
