The Price Park Tank Replacement Project began in Sept. 2022 and is expected to be completed after its testing period which will begin Nov. 4.
In 1882, Longmont constructed open air water storage reserviors near Sunset Park, Price Park and Sunset Pool Golf Course. In 1923, a 7 million gallon reservoir was built south of the original reservoirs and in 1940 an 11 million gallon per day pump house and 100,000 gallon water tower were built. The original reserviors were replaced in 1955 with a 2 million gallon reservoir.
In 2013, a master plan was created and recommended the city replace the 7 million gallon reservoir with a single above ground 5 million gallon tank. New yard piping and control facilities were also to be added. The improvements were meant to significantly reduce the footprint of the structures while improving water pressure and fire flow within the pressure zone, according to the city of Longmont.
Another master plan was issued in 2020. The plan evaluated the risk of the 2013 water master plan and recommended an 8 million gallon tank and a 12 million gallon per day pump station be constructed instead. The new recommendations increased the facility's ability to deliver water to the entire city and meet water needs into the future.
The plan became part of the 2020 City of Longmont Water Ballot issue and was passed by voters by more than 80%.
Construction on the 2020 improvements are coming to an end and the city is ready to begin testing the system. Testing is expected to run from Nov. 4 through early December.
"During this time, you may notice discolored water in your home when the pump station is being operated. This is not unsafe but it may be undesirable. If you experience discolored water, please report it to Longmont Customer Service at (303) 651-8416," the city stated in a news release.
After the testing is complete, the water station and pump will transition to a regular maintence schedule and annual testing.