MOntrose, colorado to build new combined water tank and pump station

An effort is underway to replace a 3 million-gallon water tank that has served the City of Montrose for some six decades.

That below-ground facility is located roughly two miles to the south of downtown Montrose and just to the southeast of the Sunset Mesa Sports Complex.

According to Montrose documents, because the tank is hydraulically submerged, it has “historically created pressure and operational issues” for the city.

A condition assessment done on the facility in 2014 determined that portions of the tank have become structurally compromised and are in need of repairs that could cost as much as $2 million.

Because of its condition, the tank has been isolated from the city’s larger water distribution system and is now used primarily for irrigating the sports complex’s field.

Two years ago the city hired the engineering and architectural Farnsworth Group firm, which has offices in Colorado Springs, to look at how to best replace the facility, before deciding to go with twin 1.5 million-gallon tanks, both of which will be around 130 feet in height.

Now, Montrose has issued a Request for Proposals, with an August 5 submission deadline, to build the tanks, as well as a companion booster station, and associated piping.
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The new tank will be built on spacious land adjacent to the existing tank, with work that will also include the building of a foundation and installation of instrumentation and controls.

​By Garry Boulard

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