As fires burn in Los Angeles, water utilities are responding to extensive damage to pipes and storage and treatment facilities.

Fires can make drinking water, pipes and tanks unsafe. An environmental engineer explains why that’s so and what to do

Melted plastic pipes and drastic water-pressure drops are potentially leaching toxic chemicals and contaminants into local supplies. Multiple water authorities in north Los Angeles have issued Do Not Drink notices.

Harmful and even cancer-causing chemicals can get into water supplies as reserves are depleted and infrastructure is damaged by fire.