Head of LA Department of Water and Power resigns amid concern over water main breaks

LA Department of Water and Power chief resigns

LOS ANGELES — The head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has stepped down amid increasing concern over recent water main breaks.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced Friday that DWP Chief Executive David Nahai has resigned to become senior adviser to the Clinton Climate Initiative.

There have been more than 35 major water main blowouts in the Los Angeles water system since last month, flooding streets, homes and cars.

Villaraigosa thanked Nahai for his four years of service, saying he helped reduce water consumption to record levels and put Los Angeles on the path to be coal free by 2020.

The DWP did not immediately comment.