The project team is available to meet with you or come to your next community event. The project team will share the latest project information and discuss impacts to the community. To schedule, contact Project Manager, Prabhat Karna at pkarna@bellevuewa.gov.
The City of Bellevue Utilities Department is starting a project to improve fire flow and water pressure in the Somerset Highlands neighborhood. This work includes installing:
- Installing a new 12-inch ductile iron water main on SE 49th Street from 151st Ave SE to Highland Dr.
- Installing new pressure Reducing Valve Station Vault at the intersection of SE 49th St and Highland Drive.
- Installing two new 8-inch ductile iron water mains on Highland Drive from SE 49th Street to SE 47th Pl.
- Replacing existing AC water mains with new Ductile Iron pipe within the intersection of SE 47th Pl and Highland Dr.
This work also includes the installation of up to 108 Individual Pressure Reducing Valves (IPRVs) at select properties on the hillside adjacent to the west of Highland Drive. These valves are needed to keep water pressure safe for residents after the pressure is raised in the water system to improve fire flow. The IPRVs will be installed behind the water meters of each property and will be installed before the pressure is increased in the water system. Locations of IPRVs are shown in the map below. Some work will require access to private property, and the City will contact affected property owners in advance for permission and coordination.
Background
During a fire, the Fire Department relies on the water system to deliver flow to hydrants. “Fire flow” refers to the volume of water that can flow from a hydrant without losing too much pressure. The city continuously evaluates its water system for opportunities to improve water service, including flow, pressure and reliability.
Because of the steep topography in the project area, the water system relies on a series of pumps to bring the water up the hill, creating different pressure “zones” based on local elevation. Water pressure and fire flow can vary throughout each of these zones. The city is working systematically to make improvements so that all customers have the same minimum level of service.
In 2021, the city conducted community outreach to determine how to best improve fire flow and serve the community. The project team studied numerous design options and identified a preferred alternative: a new water main along Southeast 49th Street between 151st Avenue Southeast and Highland Drive, PRV station, and new water mains along Highland Dr. The current CIP will complete Design and Construction of this alternative.
Project location
The project is located in the Somerset Highlands neighborhood (see map below).
- 12-inch water main – along SE 49th St
- Two 8-inch water main – along Highland Dr
- PRV station – intersection of SE 49th St and Highland Dr
- AC main replacement – intersection of SE 47th PL and Highland Dr
- Up to 108 IPRVs : highlighted area to the west of Highland Drive
Timeline
The project is currently in the design phase.
- Fall 2026: Complete design, permitting, and IPRV agreements
- Winter 2026: Project goes to bid for Construction
- Late 2026/early 2027: Construction begins
- Late 2027: Construction ends
Public engagement
The city is working to engage and notify residents who may be impacted by this project, to understand and support community needs to the extent possible. We will continue gathering input throughout this project.
Online Open House:
In July of 2021, the city held an online open house, sharing and collecting input on proposed design alternatives. The results of the analysis can be found: