Bitter Lake Reservoir Improvement Project

Rendering of the future reservoir site.
Rendering of a partially buried reservoir surrounded by sloped grass lawns. A walking trail wraps around the covered parts of the reservoir. A P-Patch, playground, and plaza are on the north side of the reservoir site.

Project description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is replacing the existing 21-million-gallon drinking water reservoir in the Bitter Lake neighborhood. The new reservoir, which will hold the same amount of water as the current reservoir, will be partially buried and have a smaller footprint. This provides the opportunity to develop an expanded park with more recreation amenities and public art for the community to enjoy after the new reservoir is constructed.

This project is a One Seattle effort to provide the Bitter Lake neighborhood with a new reservoir, additional open space, and public art. SPU is leading the design of the new reservoir, in coordination with Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR), the Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS), and the Department of Neighborhoods (DON).

Location

The reservoir is on a 13-acre property located southwest of the intersection of Linden Ave N and N 143rd St in North Seattle. About four acres is currently open space, a playground, and a community garden.

What's happening now?

Between June and October 2026, SPU’s contractor will demolish the empty reservoir and excavate soil and debris. Demolition and site excavation will include the use of excavators and other noisy or vibration-heavy equipment like jack hammers and power tools. The contractor will also build two temporary access roads from the site to Linden Ave N for construction vehicle access.

What to expect

  • Construction-related noise, dust, and vibrations during work hours. This includes backup alarms for safety, heavy vehicle use, and power tools.
  • SPU will use Best Management Practices to control dust and dirt and contain them to the site
  • Temporary traffic impacts to accommodate construction vehicles. Flaggers will direct traffic.
  • The contractor will work no later than 7 PM
  • We will store some excavated concrete and dirt on site for later use

Watch our pre-construction presentation to learn about site improvements and what to expect during construction.

The new reservoir site layout showing the locations of key features.
Diagram of the new reservoir site layout highlighting the circular, partially buried reservoir, the viewpoint at the end of the new walking trail around the reservoir, and the existing pump station northeast of the reservoir. A seeded lawn covers most of the site, new trees are planted along the perimeter, and four teardrop-shaped bioretention ponds surround the reservoir. Existing stormwater detention, and existing and planned security fences are also shown.

One Seattle

SPU is collaborating with Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR), the Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS), and the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) on designing the reservoir to include public art and more park space. Community engagement efforts will be coordinated, and public feedback will be shared between the four departments.

Have questions or comments about the project? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to the following individuals:

Reservoir Project:
Patrick Manning, SPU Project Manager | patrick.manning@seattle.gov

Park Project:
Janice Liang, SPR Project Coordinator | Janice.Liang@seattle.gov 

Public Art:
Adetola Abatan, Public Art Project Manager | adetola.abatan@seattle.gov

P-Patch Community Gardening Program:
Alicia Choi, DON Community Garden Coordinator | alicia.choi@seattle.gov

Schedule

Project timeline.
Construction for the new reservoir began in 2026 and will continue through mid-2029. In first half of 2026, contractor came on board with groundbreaking and site excavation occurring in the second half of the year. Reservoir construction will happen from 2027 to middle of 2028. Earthwork and utility installation will follow shortly in 2028 extending into 2029. Art installations will begin after Reservoir construction is complete sometime in later 2028 with park improvements happening sometime in latter half of 2029 and into 2030.

2026-2029

  • SPU will build the reservoir first because the construction process will change the layout of the land. Once the new layout is complete, SPR will construct the park in the new and existing open space. ARTS will install permanent public art during the final stages of construction, and may also find ways to enrich the site during construction with temporary art. All three departments are collaborating closely with each other throughout engagement, design, and construction.
  • Community engagement

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

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Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.