Why an 80-year-old Busch Drive tank is still in service
The 1947 concrete tank was flagged for replacement decades ago, but Planning Commission objections delayed permits for nearly 18 years.
So why is an 80-year-old leaking water tank — scheduled for replacement 20 years ago — still causing problems in Malibu's largest neighborhood?
The concrete tank was built in 1947.
In the year 2000, the county noted visible cracking, rust stains, and crystalized crud on the outside of the tank. That inspection report documented several cracks and poor concrete quality, and warned that the tank could collapse in an earthquake.
In 2005 — that's 21 years ago — the county began asking the City of Malibu for permission to replace it. But complaints from some neighbors and the Malibu Planning Commission forced a costly redesign and delay after delay.
The complaints were that the proposed tank was too big, too close to Busch Drive, and included a restroom for water district employees. At the time, Malibu planning commissioners said county employees could drive to Zuma Beach and use the bathrooms there, and rejected the permit.
There were also objections that a federally-required 8-foot security fence would have violated Malibu's six-foot fence height limit.
After delays and redesigns and back and forth with the city, the project permits were finally approved by the Planning Commission after nearly 18 years, in 2023.
Construction of a replacement tank is supposed to begin soon.