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Brighton gets progress update: water treatment plant ahead of schedule; Lutz Reservoir work to refill this summer
Summary
City staff reported the water treatment plant project is about 46 calendar days ahead of contract schedule with major equipment deliveries expected in May–June; Lutz Reservoir construction is also ahead and crews plan to begin refilling the reservoir in summer 2025.
City staff updated Brighton City Council on two major water infrastructure projects: construction of the new water treatment plant and the Lutz Reservoir project.
Scott Olsen, director presenting on the projects, and John (owner's representative) reported that the water treatment plant is trending 46 calendar days ahead of schedule and that excavation and major concrete work are complete. John said the team has consumed roughly 215,000 labor hours and is lining up large equipment deliveries: the softening reactors and chemical tanks were en route, and a crane operation to place large elements is planned for early June.
The presentation summarized five change orders to date and noted one outstanding change order (change order 5) that had not been executed; staff said a small owners'rep cost-correction (about $2,000) had been identified prior to execution. The contractor Garni Construction previously established a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) approved by council in February 2024; the owner's representative and city staff said they expect final startup, commissioning and substantial completion activities in late 2026 and early 2027, with quarter 1 2027 as the target for substantial completion and quarter 2 2027 for final completion. The project team said they provided this schedule to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) and that the schedule aligns with the state's expectations.
On Lutz Reservoir, staff showed progress photos of excavation, pump-station work and nonpotable distribution pipe installation. One city-driven change order added a regional trail and parking area as part of the general-contractor scope. The contractor is reporting a final completion date of March 1, 2026 (noting it is two months ahead of schedule); staff said they plan to begin refilling the reservoir in summer 2025. In response to a council question, Olsen estimated the reservoir surface area at about 40 acres and roughly 40 acre-feet of storage.
Council members asked for clarification about contract line items, which contacts are covered by the GMP, and schedule coordination with regulatory deadlines. Staff said Corolla Engineers (owner's rep) will receive a contract change order to extend their services through final completion. Council members were invited to a site tour of both projects on May 27.
No formal council action was taken; the session provided an operational update and forecast for the next construction milestones.
