Kirkland — After a detailed study session on the Highlands water‑pressure changes caused by a 2024 pressure‑gradient conversion, the Kirkland City Council on Oct. 21 unanimously approved Resolution R‑56‑97 directing staff to pursue near‑ and long‑term steps to restore pressure for affected Upper Highlands residents while retaining the fire‑flow and resiliency benefits of the conversion.

The resolution asks staff to carry the projects into the city’s 2026 Capital Improvement Program update, hire a water‑system engineering firm for independent peer review of modeling and alternatives, expand a financial assistance program to help homeowners install booster pumps and other mitigations, and to implement a targeted outreach campaign. The vote on the resolution was 7‑0.

Why this matters: The April 2024 conversion of an isolated 5‑10 pressure zone into the larger 450 gradient — done while relocating a 24‑inch water main with WSDOT for the I‑405 NE 80th Bus Rapid Transit project — improved hydrant fire flow and system redundancy but reduced household static pressure in the Upper Highlands, particularly at higher elevations and during summer peak demand.

“We are here because the city partnered with WSDOT on the I‑405 NE 80 Fifth Bus Rapid Transit project to relocate a water main line,” Sarah Olsen, deputy director of Public Works, told the council during the study session, explaining the engineering tradeoffs that produced better hydrant flows but lower household pressure.

Nut graf: Staff presented three long‑term capital alternatives ranging in preliminary cost from about $3.2 million to $8.7 million and said none can be completed before the summer 2026 peak season. In the meantime staff recommended expanding a financial assistance program that has already distributed more than $50,000 to eight Highlands households and authorizing targeted water‑management and outreach steps ahead of next summer.

What staff said: Presenters from Public Works and consultant RH2 explained the technical tradeoffs. Deputy Fire Chief Pat Ledoux described how the April 2024 conversion raised hydrant flows — reducing hydrants under 500 gallons per minute to zero and cutting the share of hydrants under 1,000 gpm from a large majority to about 8 percent — improving firefighting capability. Water modeling staff proposed a new level‑of‑service target of 40 psi minimum at the meter, above the 30 psi Washington Administrative Code minimum.

Near‑term measures recommended: Staff urged council to 1) expand and expedite the city’s booster‑pump rebate program (including preapproval for high‑cost installs, an increased $14,000 rebate threshold and new rebate tiers for home businesses and sprinkler recalibration), 2) implement a neighborhood water‑management campaign (irrigation scheduling, outreach), and 3) contract a peer reviewer to validate hydraulic modeling and cost estimates.

Long‑term alternatives: Consultants described three strategic capital alternatives: A targeted reinstate/PRV and pipeline replacement concentrated on the highest‑elevation footprint (preferred outcome for pressure and water quality; estimated cost $8.7 million, 24–30 months); a full reinstatement and larger pipe replacement to restore the former zone footprint (mid‑range cost estimate ~ $5.3 million in pipe replacement plus use of an existing $3.3M CIP allocation); and a rapid phased reinstatement that would replace only a small portion of aging main pipe (lower upfront cost ~$3.2M but judged to give only fair hydraulic outcomes and leave most of the aging pipe unreplaced). Staff stressed these are preliminary conceptual estimates.

Booster pumps and the waiver debate: Councilors asked detailed questions about booster‑pump noise, siting, permitting and electrical work. Staff said the $14,000 figure was intended to cover typical pump, plumbing and electrical work and that the city’s program includes a preapproval pathway so residents do not pay contractors before rebates are confirmed. Several residents and councilors said a draft homeowner waiver required for participation was a major barrier. City staff said they are actively researching alternatives — including city‑owned loaner pumps or different legal arrangements — and brought forward a council amendment to direct staff to evaluate alternatives to the waiver and report back.

Council amendments before final approval: Councilmembers added four council‑approved amendments to the resolution before final passage: 1) direct the peer reviewer to submit any additional feasible concepts they identify for city consideration (moved by Councilmember Pasco, second Falcone; 7‑0); 2) extend the deadline for residents to apply for assistance to Dec. 31, 2026, and direct staff to ensure the program is accessible to homeowners and businesses affected as of March 31, 2024 (moved by Deputy Mayor Arnold; 7‑0); 3) require staff to evaluate alternatives to the program waiver and report options that avoid creating long‑term encumbrances on properties (moved by Councilmember Tim Chisholm; 7‑0); and 4) minor clarifying language on program eligibility.

Outcome, next steps: With amendments adopted, the council approved R‑56‑97 on a 7‑0 vote. Staff will include the Upper Highlands project in the Nov. 5 CIP update, issue a procurement for peer review services, expand and streamline the assistance program, and return no later than April 2026 with a refined alternatives recommendation. Staff also committed to heightened outreach to affected residents and neighborhood groups.

Who said what: Primary presenters were Sarah Olsen (Deputy Director, Public Works), Cody Grama (Wastewater and Water Supervisor), Deputy Chief Pat Ledoux (Kirkland Fire), Carly Droger (Utility Policy and Community Relations) and Ewin/Yiwen Yang (senior project engineer); consultants Michelle Campbell and Dylan Bridal (RH2) presented modeling results. Council participants included Mayor Curtis, Deputy Mayor Arnold and Councilmembers Sweet, Black, Falcone, Pasco and Tim Chisholm.

What the record shows: The study session materials and modeling exhibits presented to council will be updated into the draft Water System Plan and revised hydraulic model; staff said graphics labeled “draft” will be changed to final exhibits in that plan. Council directed staff to pursue both near‑term mitigation and further analysis of the capital alternatives. Council also asked staff to prioritize clarity for residents on eligibility, timeline and whether assistance will cover full costs including electrical permits.