USDA Loan Funded Projects
These projects are funded through our USDA Construction Loan.
Distribution System Pipe Replacements
Starting in late 2025, we will be replacing a significant portion of our distribution pipe network to improve our fire suppression water facilities and increase the overall reliability of our water system. The pipe replacement project will upsize several portions of the system to enhance fire flow capacity throughout much of our system. A new 6-inch diameter pipe loop will be created by connecting existing pipe on 107th Ave and Vashon Highway via 228th St. Small diameter pipe on the Burton Peninsula will be replaced with 6-inch pipe to create a continuous 6-inch loop to meet King County fire suppression standards. Additional fire hydrants will be added throughout much of the system as the pipe system is improved. Portions of the existing pipe network are of a material (e.g., steel or asbestos cement) or age (at the end of or beyond its expected lifetime) that could pose a potential risk for failure. Proactively upgrading these pipes before failure occurs is an added benefit of this project to improve the overall reliability of our system. Most of these system improvements will be completed with USDA construction loan funding. Subsequent incremental improvements to the pipe network will be completed in other areas over time with Co-op generated funds.
Co-op Funded Projects
These projects are funded directly by the Co-op, through Connection and Capital Improvement Charges, and any excess operating revenue.
Chlorination System Upgrade
The chlorination delivery system will be modernized to current regulatory standards to achieve adequate contact time for efficient disinfection.
System Pressure Improvements
Currently, the upper elevation portion of the system (generally west of 107th Ave) is under deficient pressure because of the current gravity-flow nature of the system. This project will add a booster pump at the well source area and re-plumb the large storage tank on 232nd St to provide for system pressure of at least 30 psi (pounds per square inch) in the upper portion of the system to meet current King County standards. Pressure reducing valves will be added to the main lines as they descend the Burton hill to keep the pressure in the lower elevation part of the system from being excessive. This project will be completed only after the old steel and asbestos cement main trunk lines in the upper part of the system (which have never been subjected to increased pressures) have been replaced.