Montrose, CO – City Councilors approved Tuesday funds to design a water storage facility to replace the aging below ground water tank on Sunset Mesa.
Staff recommended a $174,839 contract to the Farnsworth Group for design work for the city's Sunset Mesa Tank Replacement project. Councilors voted 5-0 to approve the design work.
According to City Engineer Scott Murphy, the tank was built in 1960 and has reached the end of its operational life. The tank’s relatively low elevation compared to the city’s new, modern tanks also reduces operational efficiencies of the city’s water system. The city's Sunset Mesa tank sits below ground and is located southeast of the Sunset Mesa Sports Complex.
"As part of the design process we will do an evaluation of tank alternatives to determine which types of tanks are feasible for its replacement and which has the lowest life-cycle cost for the city," Murphy said. “This includes the potential for a water-tower style tank in order to bring it up to the proper elevation to ensure efficient operation and provide the emergency water supply for areas west of the Uncompahgre River.”
The city is planning to hold open houses during the winter to solicit feedback from the public once the design options are complete.
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