Water Reservoir Improvement Project

The City receives its potable water from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and is contained in two, 4.0-million-gallon steel reservoir tanks before being distributed to roughly 24,000 residents.

Both tanks are similar in size and generally in good condition. The north tank was constructed in 1962 and the south tank was constructed in 1975. The tanks were seismically enhanced in 1999 and the interior and exterior coatings were replaced in 2000-2001.

Many components have aged or deteriorated since these upgrades were completed. After over 20 years, the interior and exterior coatings have reached the end of their useful life and are in need of replacement to protect the tanks. As the "heart" of the city's water system, it is imperative to complete this work.

The project will:

• Replace the interior and exterior reservoir tank coatings
• Install new stairway access to the roof
• Install a roof guardrail
• Replace hatches, air vents, and cathodic protection

In 2022, City staff began the design process for necessary improvements to both reservoir tanks. In the summer of 2023, work on these improvements began. Over the winter of 2024, the north tank was drained for the interior maintenance, which was complete by May 2024.

Crews will focus on the south reservoir over the winter of 2025, draining and completing interior maintenance.

For more information about this project, including pictures, updates, and timelines click here.