SEATTLE — At least one covered water reservoir in Seattle needs retrofitting to withstand a huge earthquake and as many as three more also may need strengthening.
Seattle Public Utilities says preventing cracks and leaks will maintain the supply of drinking water and provide water as well for firefighting after a big quake.
The utility says the reservoirs’ designer, Denver-based MWH, initiated the seismic review and is paying costs or retrofitting. Work at the West Seattle reservoir will cost $7.6 million and the total cost of four retrofits could range from $25 million to $30 million.
The reservoirs are designed to withstand a mega-quake that might strike the region once every 2,500 years.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
