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About SPU
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Reservoir Covering Program
Reservoir Covering Program
Program Overview
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is replacing its open reservoirs with underground structures that will improve the quality and security of our water supply and provide 76 acres of new open space.
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Cal Anderson Park above Lincoln Reservoir
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In addition to two reservoirs that have already been replaced with under ground structures (Magnolia and Lincoln), the City has scheduled four more for replacement by 2012, and is evaluating whether to bury or decomission a 5th site. Work began at the Beacon and Myrtle sites in 2006.
Seattle Parks & Recreation (Parks) is working on plans to eventually transform the new open space into full-fledged parks. For more information about the Parks master planning process for the Beacon Reservoir at Jefferson Park, please see the Seattle Parks & Recreation Jefferson Park Master Plan web site listed below.
Background
The importance of providing increased protection for our water system was highlighted by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Underground reservoirs are the most secure.
The City began installing floating covers at some reservoirs in the late 1990’s. While floating covers improve water quality, they raised concerns about security and visual impacts.
These issues led Mayor Nickels to propose replacing the City’s remaining uncovered reservoirs with safer, more secure underground facilities and use the remaining open space as parks. The City Council approved the plan in 2004, after SPU found the underground reservoir program would cost roughly the same as installing floating covers with improved security measures added.
Costs and Funding
SPU expects to spend about $150 million (Nominal $’s) to bury the five remaining reservoirs in the program.
Costs and funding sources to transform the new open space into full-fledged parks have not yet been identified.
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Beacon Reservoir Under Construction
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Open Space
As part of the underground program costs, SPU will cover the reservoirs with grass and other low-maintenance plants so that communities can use the new open space immediately.
Parks will look for funding sources and work with communities to design and build new parks and recreation facilities at the underground reservoirs. Park projects will be completed as money becomes available.
Parks is currently planning for the Beacon Reservoir (Jefferson Park) site and plans to begin work in 2009. That project will be paid in part by the 2000 ProParks Levy.
Remaining Above-Ground Reservoirs
The underground program allows SPU to meet water storage needs while reducing the size of some reservoirs and closing one or two others. Floating covers that have been installed at the Bitter Lake and Lake Forest Park reservoirs will remain in place. SPU has increased security at those facilities
Contact Information
For information about the reservoir program, contact Stephanie Murphy, Reservoir Program Manager, at (206) 386-9778 or stephanie.murphy@seattle.gov
For information about park projects, contact Dewey Potter, Communications Manager, at (206) 684-7241 or dewey.potter@seattle.gov
For information about Jefferson Park, contact Randy Robinson, Jefferson Park Project Manager, at (206) 684-7035 or randy.robinson@seattle.gov.
Links on other sites
Seattle Parks & Recreation Jefferson Park Master Plan
Washington State Department of Health Office of Drinking Water
Reservoir Undergrounding – Ordinance 121447
Funding of Reservoirs and Parks – Ordinance 120899
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