The City of Kirkland states: “Failure to reinstall or inspect your PRV could result in damage to your home.”
What Happened: A Quick History of Highlands Water Pressure
Understanding the timeline helps you know what action to take — and how quickly.
April 2024 — City moves upper Highlands to the lower 450-pressure zone
To create redundancy in the water system, Kirkland connected the upper Highlands neighborhood to the broader 450-pressure zone, reducing home water pressure. Many residents removed or disabled their PRVs because they were no longer needed at the lower pressure.
2024–2025 — Residents petition for pressure restoration
Hundreds of Highlands homeowners reported low water pressure impacting daily life. City Council accepted a formal neighborhood petition in September 2025 and authorized an expedited fix.
January 2026 — City Council authorizes temporary booster pump station
Council approved Alternative #4: a temporary regional booster pump station near Forbes Creek Park to create a new 510-pressure zone for the upper Highlands neighborhood.
June 23, 2026 — High pressure restored, Pink Zone goes live
The booster pump station activated on June 23. Pink Zone homes are now back in the 510-pressure zone, where water pressure exceeds 80 psi. The City is urging residents to immediately inspect or reinstall their PRV to prevent pipe damage, appliance failure, and water leaks.
Find Your Zone — Know What You Need
Use the City’s zone map to identify whether you’re in the Pink or Gray zone, then see what action to take.
🔴 Pink Zone (Upper Highlands) — 510 Zone · Over 80 psi · Pressure Restored June 23
Your home has returned to the high-pressure zone. If you removed or disabled your PRV after the 2024 change — or haven’t had it inspected in years — you need to act now. High pressure without a working PRV can blow out pipe joints, damage washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters, and cause slab leaks.
What you need:
- PRV inspection to confirm it’s functional
- PRV reinstallation if removed or disabled
- PRV replacement if worn or out of spec
- Whole-home pressure test after service
⚪ Gray Zone (Lower Highlands) — 450 Zone · Pressure Unchanged
Gray Zone homes remain in the 450-pressure zone and were not affected by yesterday’s change. If you’re still experiencing low water pressure affecting showers, irrigation, or appliances, the City’s rebate program can help cover the cost of a pressure booster pump — installed professionally and approved for the rebate.
What Happens Without a Working PRV
A pressure reducing valve is your home’s first line of defense against high municipal water pressure. Without one — or with a failed one — sustained high pressure silently stresses every pipe, fitting, and water-using appliance in your home.
- Pipe leaks & joint failures — High pressure forces water through weak points in copper and PEX fittings, especially in older homes.
- Banging noise in the wall — High pressure forces excess vibration in the plumbing system, and you may hear a banging noise in the wall when the water is turned off on
- Slab leaks — Pipes under your foundation can crack under sustained overpressure, causing flooding and structural damage.
- Appliance damage — Washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers are rated for 60–80 psi. Over 80 psi without a working PRV can destroy them quickly.
- Water heater failure — Excess pressure accelerates wear on the temperature-pressure relief valve and tank seams.
Our Highlands PRV Services
We know this neighborhood, we know the City’s timeline, and we’re ready to help quickly.
🔍 PRV Inspection
We test your existing PRV against current incoming pressure, check the adjustment range
🔧 PRV Reinstallation
If your PRV was removed or bypassed after the 2024 pressure change, we reinstall it at the correct location on your main line and set it to the City-recommended range of 60–75 psi.
🔄 PRV Replacement
PRVs typically last 10–15 years. If yours is old, corroded, or out of adjustment range, we replace it with a code-compliant unit and test your whole-home pressure.
📈 Booster Pump Installation
For Gray Zone residents in the 450-pressure zone who want stronger water pressure, we install and configure residential booster pumps — and help you navigate the City’s rebate program for eligible homes.
You May Qualify for a City of Kirkland Rebate
The City of Kirkland is offering rebates to eligible Highlands residents for home plumbing upgrades and pressure booster pump installations. Eligibility is based on your zone and occupancy before October 1, 2024.
- Pink Zone deadline: June 30, 2026
- Gray Zone deadline: December 31, 2026
Book Your PRV Inspection This Week
Same-week appointments available for Highlands residents. Call us or use our online form to get scheduled.
Licensed & Insured · Serving Kirkland since 2008