Highlands Water Main Upgrades: Protecting Tomorrow’s Water
Published on June 22, 2026
The Highlands Reservoir provides about a third of our residents with great-tasting drinking water.
Keeping our water services reliable and high-quality for everyone in our community is our top priority.
Starting in July 2026, our 80 years old water mains along NE 12th Street from Edmonds Ave NE to Queen Ave NE will be upgraded.
A majority of the city’s current water infrastructure is nearing the end of its lifecycle, and your Public Works team works to stay ahead of any potential issues. That’s why the time is right to invest in these improvements to keep our neighborhood’s water system safe and modern.
Over the past decade, the Renton Highlands neighborhood has seen significant growth, increasing community water needs. Upgrading the system today ensures we can provide strong fire protection, reliable service, and continued safety for everyone who lives and works here.
The project is expected to start mid-July and continue through the fall of 2027.
WHAT ARE WE UPGRADING?
This project will incorporate several improvements, such as:
- Installing a larger and more efficient storm system at the Sunset Blvd NE intersection to support better drainage and reduce flood risk.
- Removing old stormwater system.
- Approximately 4,700 feet of new 12-inch and 16-inch ductile-iron (D.I.) water pipe along NE 12th Street from Edmonds Ave NE to Queen Ave NE.
- 8 new fire hydrants.
- Replacement of 35 water service lines and 34 connections to the existing water system.
- Approximately 1,600 feet of 8-inch to 18-inch storm drainpipe and 18 new catch basins.
- Full-width asphalt overlay of NE 12 Street and intersections impacted by construction.
- All public and private properties impacted by construction activities will be restored as part of the project.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Thank you in advance for your patience as our crews work to complete the project with minimal impact on you. With any project, there are a few impacts you can expect:
Traffic impacts:
- Traffic along NE 12th will be reduced to a single lane near active work areas. Flaggers, traffic control devices, and signage will be in place to safely direct traffic.
- Traffic delays, construction noise, and dust.
- Temporary parking restrictions near NE 12th St and McKnight Middle School.
- The contractor will maintain access to residential driveways throughout construction whenever possible. “No Parking” signs will be posted near active construction zones and will shift as work progresses.
- Construction activities may also temporarily affect King County Metro and school bus routes along NE 12th St and nearby streets.
Access for emergency vehicles and local businesses will be maintained at all times.
Planned water service interruptions:
As part of the project, planned water service interruptions or temporary water shutoffs can be expected.
- Residents and businesses will receive advance notification through door tags at least two days prior to any planned water shutdown. For secure buildings, such as apartment complexes, notices will be provided to the property manager.
- Estimated shutdown durations are:
- Approximately 4 to 6 hours for each water main connection to the existing system.
- Approximately 30 minutes per property for individual water service transfer to the new water mains.
Other potential impacts include:
- Temporary driveway access restrictions during installation of new water main across driveways, with advance notice provided to affected residents and businesses.
JOIN OUR VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW & Stay Connected!
Want to learn more about the project? Join our Public Works Department, tomorrow, June 23, from 6-7 p.m. for an online meeting to receive an overview of the project, anticipated construction activities, traffic impacts, planned water service interruptions, and what residents can expect during construction.
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/231971331098303?p=PPW1W2EsOPQNYkADb4
Meeting ID: 231 971 331 098 303 Passcode: s9Cx3V4y
For more updates, visit our website at rentonwa.gov/HighlandsReservoirWaterMain.