U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), together with Burbank Water and Power (BWP) leadership and local elected officials, on June 15 announced a new, $1,092,000 federal investment she secured to replace Reservoir 2, a nearly 100-year-old, sub-standard potable water reservoir that can only be filled halfway.
The investment will help BWP demolish the aging reservoir and build a modern replacement that protects Burbank’s water supply for years to come.
The state’s Division of Drinking Water has determined the reservoir needs to be replaced. Because Burbank has no naturally occurring water rights and purchases all of its water from the Metropolitan Water District, maintaining reliable storage is critical, including as an emergency water supply for wildfire response, a news release from Friedman's office said.
The new reservoir will be built to current drinking water standards and the latest seismic codes, eliminating the outdated mitigation measures BWP staff currently rely on to keep stormwater out and stay compliant. The total project cost is approximately $23.8 million, with construction expected to be completed late 2027/early 2028.
Friedman was joined at the event by Burbank Mayor Tamala Takahashi and Burbank Water and Power General Manager Mandip Samra.
