Landslide Risk to Some Residents Results in Overnight Evacuations

April 4, 2024, 6:30 pm - This evening, all evacuated residents have been informed they may return to their residences. City crews were able to isolate a section of pipe that restricts water flow in the affected area, mitigating the risk of property damage if the water main were to break according to the geotechnical engineer.

In addition, Seattle Public Utilities has hired a contractor today, through an emergency contract, to begin work including assessing the slope and designing the repair of the SPU water main. Once that is complete, the contractor will begin excavation to uncover the pipe so SPU crews can inspect it and complete the repair.

April 4, 2024, 2:30 pm - Mayor Salim Nice and City Manager Jessi Bon will address the community at 3:00pm via Zoom and YouTube regarding the water leak and evacuation emergency.  Please join live on Zoom or view the recording on YouTube.

April 4, 2024, 10 am - Wednesday evening, the City of Mercer Island notified residents in approximately 20 homes near 95th Court SE of a legal requirement to evacuate their homes. A leaking underground water pipe created unstable soil conditions, putting homes at risk if soil conditions were to worsen or the pipe were to break.

City Manager Jessi Bon will provide a statement and field questions from media at 11:30 a.m., April 4, at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center (8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island).

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) owns and maintains the 24-inch high-pressure waterpipe. SPU turned off supply to the water line overnight and pressure has been reduced. A back-up water line is serving the Island, and water levels in reservoir tanks were maintained through peak demand this morning. There is no impact on water quality for Mercer Island residents.

Geotechnical engineers, City officials, and SPU are on site this morning to inspect soil conditions and assess site stability. Pending their evaluation, the City will have more information on the timeline for residents to return to their homes.

The City learned of the risk Wednesday late-afternoon, after a geotechnical engineer reviewed the soil conditions. The Mercer Island Community & Event Center is serving as a gathering place for evacuated residents and their pets.

The City is coordinating with SPU, Eastside Fire & Rescue, King County’s Office of Emergency Management,  and other public safety departments to ensure the impacted residents are safe and protected. Police Department personnel are on site to monitor the area.

Updates will be posted on the City’s website and social media channels. 

April 3, 2024 - This evening, the City of Mercer Island notified residents in approximately 20 homes near 95th Court SE to evacuate their property. A leaking underground water pipe has created unstable soil conditions, putting homes at risk. If soil conditions worsen or the water line breaks, dangerous flooding or a landslide is possible. 

The City learned of the risk Wednesday late-afternoon, after a geotechnical engineer reviewed the soil conditions. The 24-inch high-pressure water pipe provides water to Mercer Island and is owned and maintained by Seattle Public Utilities. SPU is in the process of turning off the supply to the water line, which will take between six and eight hours. The Island is currently receiving water through a secondary water main. 

The City of Mercer Island has directed that residents downstream of the leak evacuate immediately, until further notice. The Mercer Island Community & Event Center is serving as a gathering place for evacuated residents and their pets (8236 SE 24th St). 

The City is coordinating with SPU, Eastside Fire & Rescue, King County’s Office of Emergency Management, American Red Cross, and other public safety departments to ensure the impacted residents are safe and protected.  

Updates will be posted on the City's website and social media accounts.