INFORMATION ABOUT BLACK BALLS - June 27, 2008

The following message is sent to those I know of who have expressed or heard concerns about DWP’s actions at Ivanhoe Reservoir. Hopefully this will answer some of the concerns and clear up some facts:

A number of questions and concerns have been raised about the safety and need for the "bird balls" that are in the process of being placed on Ivanhoe reservoir. As has been stated in community meetings, via e-mail, and in the news, the reason for the bird balls is simple - the water in Ivanhoe and Elysian Reservoirs must be shaded in order to prevent a chemical reaction triggered by sunlight that forms Bromate, a carcinogenic compound discovered in Ivanhoe, Silver Lake , and Elysian Reservoirs last fall.

I recall reading an allegation that someone must be benefiting from this project. Certainly someone is benefiting - the 340,000 downstream customers whose water would otherwise not meet state and federal drinking water standards if bromate is allowed to continue forming in Ivanhoe Reservoir. This is a group that does not see Ivanhoe and Silver Lake , but drinks the water from them everyday - a group who has largely had no voice in the discussions about what takes place at the reservoirs that supply their drinking water. Those who look at Ivanhoe and Silver Lake do not drink that water - their water comes from a protected, covered reservoir in Eagle Rock that will never be subject to high bromate concerns. The people who drink the water from Silver Lake and Ivanhoe Reservoirs are entitled to the same quality of supply and standard of protection.

Many of you recall correctly that DWP agreed years ago not to cover Ivanhoe Reservoir. Has that changed and are the bird balls permanent? Absolutely not. As has been reiterated over the past few months, the bird balls do not and cannot meet the new federal regulations that are causing DWP to construct a new reservoir at Headworks and take Silver Lake and Ivanhoe out of service. None of those permanent plans have changed - Silver Lake and Ivanhoe are still slated to remain full and uncovered. However, the unexpected discovery of bromate has caused DWP to take this interim step to protect the water quality for those served by the reservoirs.

Some have asked "Why is Silver Lake okay to leave uncovered?" Practically speaking, it is impossible to cover Silver Lake Reservoir. So, in order to operate the system and protect customer water quality, Silver Lake is no longer the major supplier of water to its service area - Ivanhoe is taking over that role, with Silver Lake on "standby", providing supplemental supply during hot periods and peak hour flows. Understand that this is not a return to "business as usual" before the discovery of bromate... it is a complete switch from normal, historic operations. The uncovered Silver Lake can be managed and is okay to use for these peak demands.

Perhaps the greatest misinformation I have recently seen is the notion that the bird balls heat up and release toxic chemicals into the water. This is just simply not true. Granted, there are many different types of plastics and recent news has focused on certain plastics leaching chemicals. The reason DWP is using the bird balls is because they are the ONLY National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) drinking-water-approved product of its kind on the market. When we discuss NSF approval, it means that this product has been tested precisely to ensure that it does not create the kinds of problems that some are insisting they create. The balls are made of High Density Polyethylene - a long-time water industry product also used for pipelines, and a black version of the same clear product you buy your one gallon container of milk in (look on the bottom for the HDPE label). You will not find any legitimate news findings claiming that HDPE leaches chemicals into drinking water. As a matter of fact, other water agencies have contacted DWP out of recognition that this solution could have application for them as well.

The balls are made to survive in a hot, sunlight environment without breaking down, and they are warranted for 10 years - twice the lifetime we are looking for. As to the issue of heating the water, there are two important points. First, there is only a very, very small percentage of reservoir water actually in contact with the surface of the balls. Secondly, the balls are filled with air, which also acts as an insulating layer, much the way double pane windows and attics help keep the heat out of our homes.

There is no doubt that Silver Lake and Ivanhoe Reservoirs offer tremendous aesthetic value and identity to the community. However, they are first and foremost drinking water reservoirs. I empathize with those whose views of Ivanhoe are diminished by the bird balls. I also understand the frustration at having to suddenly take this interim “covering” step after years of successful negotiation with CSSLR arrived at a project that ultimately will leave the Silver Lake Complex untouched. These future plans for the reservoirs remains unchanged. However, between now and then, we must be vigilant in our protection of the water in these reservoirs to ensure that all DWP customers are treated equitably.

Marty Adams
Director of Water Quality & Operations