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Brighton approves up to $140,000 to refurbish two Chalice Water Plant well pumps
Summary
The council authorized Northern Pump and Well to overhaul pumps No. 4 and No. 5 at the Chalice Water Plant for up to $140,000, with staff saying the figure is a worst‑case estimate and work will be phased to avoid service disruption.
The Brighton City Council authorized Northern Pump and Well to overhaul and rebuild pumps No. 4 and No. 5 at the Chalice Water Plant in an amount not to exceed $140,000; Councilmember Gibson moved the approval and Councilmember Pettengill seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote.
DPS Superintendent Bradley explained why the work is needed, saying the pumps are “different than what your standard pump is... they're a 10 feet deep into the ground. So, until they're pulled, disassembled, washed, we don't know what's wrong with them.” He told the council the pumps are tested annually and recent tests showed inefficiencies. Bradley said the overhaul work includes pulling the pumps, shop inspection and refurbishment or replacement of motor and pump components, video inspection and cleaning of the well casing, and reinstallation and testing.
Bradley said the city budgeted $53,000 for the repairs and proposed to use an additional $93,000 from a separate generator project at Summit and Nelson booster stations that will not proceed, covering the proposed $140,000 maximum. He described $140,000 as a “worst case scenario” if extensive replacement is needed. Bradley said Northern Pump and Well will provide proposals at each step and city staff will oversee video inspections and shop recommendations.
On schedule and service impact, Bradley said each pump overhaul will take about four to six weeks if nothing catastrophic is found, and staff will pull and repair pumps sequentially so at least two pumps remain in service. Councilmember Schmeicke asked whether inefficiencies translate to higher operating costs; Bradley said efficiency testing calculates kilowatt costs per gallon pumped and that inefficient pumps run longer and cost more to operate.
Councilmember Gibson moved to approve the contract; Pettengill seconded. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote. Gibson asked staff to provide photos and findings during the work so council has tangible documentation of the repairs.
Staff said they will return with proposals from Northern Pump and Well as work progresses and will exercise oversight to ensure charges match actual needs.
