The Reservoir 3 Replacement Project in Everett is a critical undertaking aimed at upgrading the city's drinking water infrastructure by replacing a century-old reservoir that presents significant safety concerns. The existing reservoir, originally constructed over 100 years ago, will be replaced with two new pre-stressed concrete reservoirs, boasting capacities of 8 million gallons and 15 million gallons, designed to adhere to modern seismic standards. Concrete pouring is scheduled to begin on January 14 and 15, marking an important step in the construction timeline. With an estimated total cost of $80 million, the project will be financed primarily through water utility bills paid by both direct customers and wholesale customers. Given that more than half of Everett's water supply flows through Reservoir 3, the timely implementation of this project is essential for ensuring a reliable water source.

The decision to replace the reservoir stems from a study conducted as part of the city's 2020 Comprehensive Water Plan, which indicated that the existing structure would likely fail during a major earthquake. With construction planned in two phases, the first phase will focus on building the new 8-million-gallon reservoir while the existing reservoir remains operational. This proactive approach is vital for maintaining water service continuity and enhancing the overall safety of the city's water supply system.