Bitter Lake Reservoir Improvement Project 

Fall 2026 Update

Multiple construction vehicles doing earthwork at the construction site.

Construction for the new reservoir continues. SPU’s contractor spent the summer demolishing the decommissioned reservoir, excavating concrete and soil around the site, and installing new pipes. Over the next few months, the contractor will continue pipe work and begin pouring concrete for the new reservoir in sections. The contractor is also preparing the site for the rainy season. Adjustments are being made for how stormwater is directed and treated before it flows into the city drainage system.

What to expect

• SPU and the contractor are using Best Management Practices to reduce construction-related noise, dust, and vibrations during work hours. This includes backup alarms for safety, heavy vehicle use, and power tools.
• Temporary traffic impacts to accommodate construction vehicles. Flaggers may direct traffic. You may see a higher volume of construction vehicles on days where we are pouring concrete for the new reservoir.
• We will store equipment, materials, and some excavated concrete and dirt on site for later use.

SPU and the contractor are following City of Seattle standards and regulations for noise, dust, and vibration. To learn more about these practices, visit www.seattle.gov/utilities/construction-resources.

Fall work hours

Beginning this fall, the contractor is expecting to work from 6 AM-6 PM Monday through Friday. There may be periods where they choose to work longer days to complete construction activities. Weekend work may be required as dictated by project needs.

Site lighting changes

The contractor has changed their site lighting plans due to recent break-in attempts. Moving forward, site lighting will be on throughout the night to discourage future break-in attempts. Site lighting will have hoods around the bulbs to minimize light shining into nearby homes.

Contact us!

Thank you for signing up for project updates about the Bitter Lake Reservoir Improvement Project. Have a neighbor who might like to receive updates? Please forward this message and encourage them to sign up for project email updates.

Have questions about the project? Email Patrick.Manning@seattle.gov or call (425) 566-9255.

Need a translation?

Seattle Public Utilities is replacing the existing drinking water reservoir in the Bitter Lake neighborhood. To request translation of these materials, email Patrick.Manning@seattle.gov or call (425) 566-9255.

[Spanish]
Seattle Public Utilities está reemplazando el depósito de agua potable existente en el vecindario de Bitter Lake. Para solicitar la traducción de estos materiales, envíe un correo electrónico a Patrick.Manning@seattle.gov o llame (425) 566-9255.

[Simplified Chinese]
Seattle Public Utilities 要更换在 Bitter Lake 附近的饮用水库. 需要翻译资料请发电子邮件: Patrick.Manning@seattle.gov 或者致电: (425) 566-9255.

[Traditional Chinese]
Seattle Public Utilities 要更換在 Bitter Lake 附近的飲水庫. 需要翻譯資料請發電子郵件: Patrick.Manning@seattle.gov 或致電: (425) 566-9255.

[Amharic]
Seattle Public Utilities/የሲያትል የህዝብ መገልገያዎች/ Bitter Lake ሰፈር ያለውን የመጠጥ ውሃ ማጠራቀሚያ በመተካት ላይ ናቸው። የእነዚህን ቁሳቁሶች ትርጉም ለመጠየቅ ለ Patrick.Manning@seattle.gov ኢሜይል ያድርጉ ወይም (425) 566-9255 ይደውሉ።

[Oromo]
Seattle Public Utility Ollaa Bitter Lake Jedhamutti kuusaa Bishaan dhugaatii kan Amma jiru kan biraatiin bakka buusaa Jira. hiikaa barreefama kanaa yoo barbaaddan email kana irratti ergaa Patrick.Manning@seattle.gov Yookaan bilbilaa (425) 566-9255.