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Great Western Reservoir requires repairs; Broomfield considering proceeds from Becky property to help fund work
Summary
Staff reported structural issues at the Great Western Reservoir (dating to 1904), three repair alternatives under study and preliminary sediment sampling showing radionuclide levels consistent with background; staff said proceeds from a potential sale of the Becky property (land plus CBT water units) could help fund repairs and that the reuse‑study
City engineers and consultants briefed the City Council on structural concerns at the Great Western Reservoir and on options staff is evaluating to fund repairs, including a possible sale of the Becky property and its associated water rights.
Ken Rutt, director of water utilities, said Great Western — built in 1904 and used now for reuse storage — shows three primary structural issues: failing toe drains through the dam, an aging outlet pipe and lingering embankment deficiencies. "Currently, the state engineer has rated it conditionally satisfactory, which requires us to continue making progress on identifying, and making improvements to, these outlets by 2030," Rutt said.
Consulting work and sampling: staff said Snopples Incorporated completed 20 sediment samples and preliminary risk modeling found radionuclide concentrations consistent with historical background. "The preliminary risk modeling show that the potential radiation exposure for on‑site construction workers, nearby residents would be distinguishable from typical background levels in Colorado," staff reported.
Alternatives under consideration include selective toe‑drain and outlet replacement, full dam replacement, or breaching and decommissioning the dam (the latter not recommended by staff). Staff plans additional sampling and modeling once a repair option is chosen and expects to issue a request for proposals by September for a reuse system assessment; staff anticipates bringing council recommendations following that study by early 2027.
Funding options — Becky property: staff provided background on the Becky property (132 acres purchased with 254 Colorado Big Thompson units). Graham Clark, director of finance, said the original purchase included 254 CBT units and the property cost $3,725,000 at acquisition. A recent appraisal showed an "as‑is" value of about $1,800,000 and a speculative higher value if permitting and gravel recovery were allowed (estimates ranged up to $2.5M–$3.7M). Clark said proceeds from a sale would be aligned to help fund Great Western repairs.
Why this matters: Great Western is part of reuse storage that supports irrigation and other nonpotable uses. Repair work will affect reuse capacity and could drive the need for additional storage or changes to reuse operations depending on the repair alternative selected.
What’s next: staff will issue an RFP for a reuse system assessment by September, complete additional sediment sampling if repair options 1 or 2 are chosen, and return with recommendations to council in early 2027.
Ending: no final decisions were made during the study session; council members asked questions about funding, contingency planning and timelines, and staff said they would return with a recommended path after further study.
