Arvada Water Treatment Plant faces $346M replacement challenges near dam site

The Arvada City Council Study Session on March 4, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding the future of the Arvada Water Cleanup Plant. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the plant's current location, operational challenges, and potential costs associated with repairs and replacements.

City officials presented a preliminary cost estimate of $346 million for repairing the existing facility at its current site. However, this figure is considered optimistic, as it does not account for the complexities of building near the Arvada Dam, which poses safety risks and regulatory hurdles. The site’s limited space complicates any expansion efforts, with only two acres available for construction. This constraint means that any replacement would require demolishing the current plant while simultaneously building a new one, leading to an estimated four years of water restrictions for residents.

The discussions also revealed that the plant's location at the toe of a dam raises significant engineering concerns. State law mandates that any construction within 200 feet of the dam must receive approval from state engineers due to the risk of hydraulic fracturing, which could compromise the dam's structural integrity. The potential for flooding from nearby dams further complicates the situation, as the facility is at risk of being inundated during severe weather events.

Given these challenges, city officials are exploring alternative solutions, including the possibility of purchasing water from Denver Water. This option may provide a more viable path forward, considering the limitations and risks associated with the current site.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the aging infrastructure of the Arvada Water Cleanup Plant and the need for strategic planning to ensure safe and reliable water services for the community. Further discussions and evaluations will be necessary to determine the best course of action moving forward.