Council ratifies emergency declaration and approves $309,599 contract to replace failing water main

The Anacortes City Council ratified an emergency declaration and approved a $309,598.98 contract with Summit X Contractors to replace a deteriorated section of water main on 34th Street (Commercial Avenue to M Avenue) after repeated failures disrupted service.

Public Works staff told council the pipeline had experienced multiple failures in a short period and that continued isolated repairs were no longer practical or responsible. Staff said each failure required emergency responses, disrupted water service and raised public-health and fire-protection concerns. The emergency declaration allows the city to proceed without the delays associated with standard competitive bidding.

Public Works also noted that the budget amendment under consideration that evening includes funding for this replacement and that the work will be carried out as part of the city’s small mains replacement program. Council moved and approved the resolution ratifying the emergency declaration and authorizing the contract.

Council members said replacing aging infrastructure prevents repeated emergency repairs and reduces cost and disruption over time; some noted neighboring property claims and the need to track costs associated with failures.

Staff said the work will be coordinated to minimize disruption and that more comprehensive water-fund projects would continue under planned work for 2026.