City of Manitou Springs announces plan to build additional water tank in new infrastructure project
MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- The City of Manitou Springs announced Monday that it will build a a second water tank to enhance its storage capabilities for residents in the area.
KRDO toured the project area Tuesday.
The water infrastructure project comes in support from the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs’ Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF), which issued a grant of $953,600 to the city.
The American Rescue Plant Act (ARPA) also allocated $1,354,775 in funds toward the project.
The project is important for the city’s preparedness in the face of increasing challenges officials have previously faced with fires, repairing the existing Mesa Tank, and minimizing the impact of hard-to-treat water from sediment flowing into the water treatment plant after heavy rains.
"It also allows us to repair our Mesa tank," said city spokesman Alex Trefry. "In order to make those repairs, you really have to drain a tank and then start working within it. So, having another tank allows us to work on the other one -- that in the future when the new tank needs repairs, we can of course do vice versa."
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City officials state that the new water tank will be at no cost to Manitou Springs ratepayers, so it won't affect the existing Water Enterprise Fund -- allowing it to be used for other needs such as replacing old water mains.
The existing water tank -- built in the 1960s -- holds two million gallons, and the new tank will hold up to 1.5 million; the project is currently in the design stage.
The allocated funds will cover the infrastructure connecting the new tank to the water treatment plant and will integrate it into the city’s water system.
City officials also stated that the project will include the replacement of a portion of the water line that connects the Mesa Tank to the city’s water system to improve overall efficiency and reliability.
Several residents said that they support the project.
"Sometimes when it rained, they told us not to water our lawns or flowers," said Monica Trujillo, as she watered Tuesday. "They told us to limit showers and other water use, so... you know. It was just a big-time bummer.
Vincent Harlow said that he would occasionally get brown tap water that wouldn't allow him to do his laundry.
"I'm glad they're doing this project," he said. "I know there may be some temporary inconvenience in this quiet neighborhood because there will be lots of construction traffic and noise. But I think it's the best thing for the city."
"With this significant step forward, we are ensuring the continuity of water quality, bolstering system redundancy, and reinforcing fire suppression capabilities. Furthermore, this endeavor grants us the opportunity to efficiently repair the existing Mesa Tank, minimizing any disruptions to our water storage operations,” stated the City Administrator for the City of Manitou Springs, Denise Howell.
