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Auburn plans seismic control valve and SCADA upgrades at Reservoir 2; construction expected 2026–27
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Summary
City engineers presented a Reservoir 2 seismic control‑valve project to prevent uncontrolled drainage during earthquakes. Design costs are just over $500K and construction about $3.0M (total ~$3.5M), funded by FEMA and state grants plus city water funds; work will include deep excavation and coordination with Amberview Apartments.
City engineers described a project to strengthen Auburn’s water system by installing an earthquake‑sensing (seismic control) valve, modernizing SCADA integration, and adding emergency power redundancy at Reservoir 2 during the March 23 study session.
Senior project engineer Lehi Kosman said Reservoir 2 is a buried prestressed concrete tank about 140 feet in diameter with roughly 3.6 million gallons of capacity. "The main purpose of this project is to protect our water supply during seismic events," Kosman said, describing a valve with sensors that automatically shut flow during shaking so water does not drain uncontrollably.
Kosman outlined work elements: install the seismic control valve and create a protective vault adjacent to the reservoir, add a drain valve at the Lee Hill booster pump station to replace a buried drain at Amberview Apartments, upgrade SCADA so operators can safely reopen the system remotely, and add emergency power redundancy (generator) to ensure operations after an event.
Design is reported to cost a little north of $500,000 and construction about $3,000,000 for a total near $3.5 million; funding sources cited include a FEMA grant, Washington State Military Department grants and city water funds. Staff said the design phase is in progress and construction is expected to begin in summer with completion targeted in 2027.
Engineers warned of significant construction logistics: the reservoir sits about 30 feet below grade and the work requires deep excavation (30–35 feet) with shoring, temporary easements and close coordination with Amberview Apartments (parking lot access and a buried drain valve). Project presenters said the excavation will be fenced and that the reservoir will be drained three separate times for investigative work and valve installation; crews plan outreach to apartment management and resident notifications before construction.
What’s next: complete design and procure construction services, secure any necessary permanent and temporary easements with Amberview ownership, and begin major excavation this summer when weather is drier.
