About a month after the city experienced a Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) water main leak and then certain impairments to the agency’s primary water supply pipeline to Mercer Island, City Manager Jessi Bon has declared a local state of emergency regarding the matter.

Bon signed a proclamation on May 1 because the faulty pipeline — which has been taken offline — “has reduced the incoming potable water to Mercer Island,” of which SPU is the sole local supplier. As previously reported, the city said a smaller backup line is currently providing water in the main pipeline’s place, but likely won’t keep up with summer water demand.

“This emergency impacts public health, safety and welfare of those living and working on Mercer Island, as well as continuity of government operations,” the city noted in its weekly newsletter.

Bon’s proclamation states that repairs to SPU’s primary water supply pipeline are reasonably expected to last throughout the summer.

“Water conservation and other measures may be needed to ensure that Mercer Island’s water demand does not exceed the supply provided by the backup pipeline; and city reservoirs can continue to meet resident needs while sustaining water quality, safety, and firefighting requirements,” the proclamation adds.

According to the city’s Let’s Talk page, water conservation measures are likely to be implemented in June and last through late summer while efforts are focused on repairing the main water supply line.

In a statement to the Reporter, the city said, “We commit to keeping the community informed as we continue to assess the ongoing water main leak and repair and related water conservation measures. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all Mercer Islanders to collectively look out for the health and safety of our community, especially during challenging situations.”

Also on May 1, Eastside Fire & Rescue Chief Ben Lane and Bon signed an order prohibiting the discharge of at-home fireworks this July 4 “due to extreme fire danger,” according to the city regarding the major issue with the SPU primary water supply pipeline.

Lane noted in the order that, “Discharge of consumer fireworks heightens the risk of multiple fire ignitions that could further diminish the city’s water supply to levels below what is necessary to support critical fire suppression operations.”

At its May 7 meeting, city council — at the recommendation of Bon with support from Lane and Mercer Island Police Department Chief Ed Holmes — will give initial consideration to an ordinance to adopt a permanent ban on the sale and discharge of consumer fireworks.

“If passed, this ordinance would go into effect in 2025. The proposed permanent ordinance would not ban professional fireworks displays, which require specific fire prevention and safety measures,” the city noted.

Consumer fireworks can still be sold legally on the Island this year from noon to 9 p.m. on June 28 and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 29 through July 4.

The city has a professional fireworks show planned for its Summer Celebration 2024 on July 13 at Luther Burbank Park.

For more information, visit Let’s Talk: https://tinyurl.com/2kmfktxn