To improve fire flow in the Somerset Highlands neighborhood, the city will build a new water main along Southeast 49th Street between 151st Avenue Southeast and Highland Drive. Design work began in 2024 and is estimated to conclude in the early summer of 2026. . Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2026 and be completed by early Summer 2027.
Additionally, Individual Pressure Reducing Valves (IPRVs) will be installed on select properties on the hillside adjacent to the west of Highland Drive. The IPRVs will be installed before the pressure is increased in the water system to ensure safe water pressure for residents. To determine which properties require an IPRV, each property shown on the location map (below) must be individually inspected to confirm whether a pressure-reducing valve is necessary. Access to some private property may be required during design and construction. The city will coordinate with private property owners for rights of entry and notices in advance if required.
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 has identified a preferred alternative: a new water main along Southeast 49th Street between 151st Avenue Southeast and Highland Drive.
Project location
The project will construct a new 12-inch ductile iron water main on SE 49th Street, between Highland Drive SE on the west side and 151st Ave SE on the east side. The 12-inch water main will be installed primarily along the north side of of SE 49th Street. Two 8-inch ductile iron water mains will be installed on Highland Drive SE, between SE 47th Street on the north and SE 49th Street on the south. One 8-inch main will serve the existing 1000 pressure zone, while the other will serve the new 1025 pressure zone. IPRVs will be installed on select properties shown in the location map.
Timeline
The project will complete design and permitting in Spring 2026. Construction is expected to begin fall of 2026 and be completed by early Summer 2027. twelve months.
- 2025-Early 2026: Final Design
- Spring/Summer 2026: Complete design and permitting; project goes to bid for construction
- Fall 2026: Construction begins
- Early Summer 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:
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