Boulder utilities report $96.7M in bonds, major sewer and treatment upgrades under way

Boulder’s Water Resources Advisory Board heard a year-in-review presentation Jan. 27, 2025, from utilities staff that summarized 2024 operations, capital spending and 2025 priorities, including $96.7 million in water and wastewater bonds and major upgrades at the city’s wastewater treatment facility.

The presentation, led by Andrew Walker, budget analyst for the utilities department, and other utilities staff, outlined how most of the recent bond proceeds will fund the main sewer interceptor project and seven other priority projects, including upgrades at two water treatment facilities and work at the city’s wastewater facility (referred to in presentations as the Wharf). Staff said use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for bill-assistance programs ended in 2024 and that the department will focus in 2025 on developing an in-house, sustainable customer assistance program.

Why it matters: Utilities staff said the bond proceeds and ongoing capital work target aging infrastructure that directly affects water quality, wastewater discharge compliance and flood resilience. Staff also flagged regulatory and operational timelines — notably a 2025 startup window for new phosphorus removal systems at the wastewater facility — that will affect near-term project schedules and budgets.

Staff and finance highlights

Utilities staff reported the city issued $96,700,000 in water and wastewater bonds in January, with the majority directed to the main sewer interceptor…