City engineer says sewer and flood solutions could take years; council presses for quicker plans

City engineering staff told the Everett City Council that while the city has capacity in many older sections of the system, larger flooding and sewer challenges — especially in areas slated for heavy development — will require studies and phased projects that could take years to design and construct.

At the meeting, councilors pressed the city engineer and the CFO about where planned improvements will be made and how they will be funded. The engineer said mains entering and leaving the city were sized to accommodate a full build-out, but he acknowledged that older neighborhood mains and service lines require replacement and that the city is working with consultants to identify priorities and funding needs.

Councilors asked whether MWRA controls incoming pipes and whether developers should install new mains when they build. Staff said main capacity is substantial and that the city is studying where replacement is needed; specifics on funding mechanisms and the number of streets set for replacement this spring were not finalized, though staff offered to provide detailed project lists to council members.

The city solicitor and staff clarified homeowner responsibility for service lines: homeowners generally own the service from the house to the main at the sidewalk and may be liable for repairs on that segment; the city would evaluate liability and insurance claims for backups on a case-by-case basis aided by adjusters if a claim is filed.

Councilors emphasized better notification to residents about planned water work and requested a written follow-up on linkage‑fee revenues and the status of lead‑service line replacement projects.