Title
Drinking Water Utility Seismic Reservoirs Upgrades
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing on the Drinking Water Utility’s seismic evaluation of Olympia’s reservoirs
Report
Issue:
Receive a briefing on the Drinking Water Utility’s seismic evaluation of Olympia’s reservoirs
Staff Contact:
Mike Vessey, Drinking Water Utility Director, Public Works Department, 360.753.8318
Presenter:
Mike Vessey
Background and Analysis:
Olympia’s water system includes 12 drinking water reservoirs that are essential for maintaining system pressure, providing fire suppression capacity and ensuring emergency water storage. These reservoirs are critical to the reliable delivery of water to residents, businesses and emergency services. However, some of these structures were constructed prior to the adoption of modern seismic standards and are considered vulnerable to significant damage or failure in the event of a major earthquake.
As part of its ongoing asset management efforts, the City completed evaluations of most of these reservoirs to assess their structural condition and seismic performance. These assessments have confirmed the need for substantial upgrades to meet current seismic resilience requirements. Ensuring that all 12 reservoirs can withstand a major seismic event is crucial for public safety, emergency response readiness and post-disaster recovery.
At this time, the total funding required to bring all of Olympia’s reservoirs up to current seismic standards is still being determined. Preliminary evaluations indicate that the cost will be substantial. As further engineering analysis is completed, staff will be able to deliver more detailed and refined cost estimates, along with an updated Capital Facilities Plan that includes a prioritized list of projects.
Given the scale of work and current funding levels, it is clear that a significant rate increase will be needed soon to adequately fund these necessary upgrades. Without additional investment, the City remains at risk of extended service outages and limited emergency water availability following an earthquake.
Staff will brief the UAC with updated cost projections, funding options and implementation strategies at the June 5th meeting. Staff will continue to return to the UAC as this work progresses to provide updates.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Drinking water utility assets are critical to public health, safety, and the vitality of our community. Maintenance of the utilities to provide our customer’s level of service expectations is important.
Options:
None at this time. Briefing only. The information will help inform capital facilities planning decisions. The UAC will review the City’s 2026 - 2031 Capital Facilities Plan this fall which will include recommendations on addressing the reservoir seismic upgrades.
Financial Impact:
Seismic upgrades and/or reservoir replacements are expensive. Investments in the maintenance of the Drinking Water utilities’ infrastructure indicates that rate increases and funding sources will be necessary to meet future funding needs.
Attachments:
None