The city of Ridgefield, Wash., broke ground on June 1, 2026, on the Eastside Elevated Water Reservoir, a major infrastructure project that will strengthen water system reliability, improve emergency response capabilities and support projected growth for decades to come.

T. Bailey LLC is the project's general contractor

The project will construct a new 2.5-million-gal. elevated water reservoir on a city-owned site along South 5th Street. Once complete, it will be the first elevated water reservoir serving Ridgefield's east side and will play a critical role in maintaining consistent water pressure, increasing water storage capacity, and improving fire flow throughout the water system.

Mayor Matt Cole joined city councilmembers, project partners, contractors and city staff to celebrate the milestone and recognize the years of planning that brought the project to construction.

"This reservoir is a long-term investment in Ridgefield's future," Cole said. "Water infrastructure is foundational to our community. While residents may not see every component of the system every day, they depend on it constantly. This project helps ensure we can continue to provide reliable service to residents and businesses while preparing for the growth ahead."

The project is funded through a $15 million low-interest construction loan from the Washington Department of Health's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, along with Water System Development Charges paid through the permit process for new development, ensuring that growth is paying for the needs it creates.

In preparation for the work, the city partnered with Clark-Cowlitz Fire & Rescue (CCFR) to demolish the existing structure on the site by conducting a training burn. This served a dual purpose, saving public funds and creating a valuable opportunity for fire crews to practice firefighting techniques.

In addition to the elevated reservoir itself, the project includes site grading and earthwork, landscaping, irrigation, perimeter fencing, electrical and instrumentation systems, stormwater facilities, utility improvements, and a vibrant mural.

The Eastside Elevated Water Reservoir will help stabilize pressure in the high zone, a section of the system serving most of the city, including the Junction area, Ridgefield's primary industrial employment zone. The additional storage capacity will also increase system redundancy and support emergency preparedness by improving water availability during periods of peak demand and fire response.

The project complements the city's long-range planning efforts and supports anticipated population and employment growth. Through the Comprehensive Plan update process, Ridgefield is planning for approximately 10,000 additional residents and 8,000 new jobs by 2045.

Construction is expected to wrap up in June 2028. ♣