By SUSAN PARK

In response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the East Coast, and the possibility that attacks could occur in other parts of the country as well, the Department of Seattle Public Utilities has stepped up security measures at its nine reservoirs throughout the city. In North Seattle, that includes the Maple Leaf Reservoir, at Roosevelt Way NE and 82nd, the Green Lake Reservoir at NE 75th and 15th Ave. NE, and the Broadview Reservoir at Linden Ave. and N. 143rd St.

The measures, which were in the works prior to the Sept. 11 attacks, are strictly precautionary at this time, according to SPU, which issued a statement on Sept. 20 noting that "there have been no known threats to Seattle's water system."

The nine reservoirs, built between 1901 and 1962, range in size from 7 to 68 million gallons of treated drinking water. SPU provides water to 1.3 million people throughout King County by delivering direct water service to Seattle residents and businesses as well as selling water wholesale to 25 purveyors in other parts of the county.

SPU says each reservoir is under regular surveillance and has a security plan that includes security staff, fencing, intrusion alarms, closed-circuit television, system operating equipment that can isolate problems, use of an Incident Command System during emergencies, coordination with local law enforcement and other public safety officials, and ongoing water quality monitoring and testing.

As of this printing, a brief examination of the various reservoirs by Maven staff found areas where something could be easily thrown into the water from outside the security fence and other areas where an intruder could enter a reservoir easily. However, the City is correcting these problems.

While SPU employs extensive security measures at all of its reservoirs, the department began an in-depth review of its comprehensive reservoir security program prior to the Sept. 11 attacks.

SPU is also in the process of carrying out a state-approved plan to cover all of its open water reservoirs, which include the Maple Leaf and Green Lake reservoirs. The reservoir-covering projects are already in the design or construction phase, according to the department. For more information, visit SPU's Web site at www.cityofseattle.net/util/. (