Judge Says Water District Liable for Slide

A judge says the South Coast Water District is responsible for damages caused by the 2005 Dana Point landslide that destroyed a home and damaged three others.

The water district claimed heavy rains soaked the soil and caused the slide, but trial testimony concluded a leaky pipe was responsible.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Gail Andler ruled that the water district is liable for damages as well as stabilizing the hill. The damages portion of the trial begins March 16.

The water district says it is insured for the damages which could reach $9 million.

Homeowners attorney Michael Hearn says the district was sued because its water line ran through some of the homeowners’ property.