The new reservoir will have 30 percent more capacity than the existing reservoir, depicted by the orange circle. To replace it, the City will have to replace 34 trees with more than 70 cedars, firs, oaks, maples and zelkovas. To review the 30 percent design's tree plan, click here(PDF, 874KB).
The City of Kirkland is planning in Spring 2027 to complete the design of a replacement water reservoir in the Bridle Trails neighborhood.
Unlike the existing reservoir, the new 85-foot, concrete structure will be able to withstand moderate earthquakes and will provide enough water for Kirkland’s growing demand — 15.2 million gallons instead of 11.2 million gallons.
One of those demands is the Fire Department’s unpredictable need for water to fight structure fires.
The replacement project will include the construction of a service road that will surround the structure.
To replace the structure and build the service road, the City will have to remove 34 trees from the property. Twenty-four of those trees are designated landmark trees, which are 26 inches in diameter, at breast height.
The contractor will remove the old structure before it builds the new structure in its place. In the meantime, the City, will rely on its other North Rose Hill reservoir for stored water.
Project engineers expect to begin construction on the reservoir in Spring 2027 and to complete it by Summer 2029.
Previous updates
Sept. 9, 2026 -- The City is planning to reach 60 percent design by October on the south reservoir replacement.