Council approves $821,300 contract to repair South water tank after inspection found sanitary defects

The Grand Junction City Council on May 20 authorized a contract to repair and recoat the interior of the South water storage tank after an inspection identified critical sanitary defects.

Interim Utilities Director Ashley Ferrell told council the city’s inspection program—using certified divers and video—found peeling coating on interior surfaces and other defects the state’s storage‑tank rule classifies as critical. “Once those are identified as critical sanitary defects, the storage tank rule requires that we establish a corrective action plan to address them,” Ferrell said.

Because both tanks are needed to meet summer demand, staff said the practical window to take one tank offline and complete the recoating is after Labor Day. The city conducted a procurement process and recommended awarding the work to Maderos Painting, Inc. (bidder identified in the staff packet). Council authorized the contract in the amount of $821,300; staff said funding is included in the adopted 2026 water enterprise fund budget.

The project includes surface preparation, spot welding/repairs and multi‑coat application using manufacturers’ curing windows; contractors will be required to meet qualifications for tank work and the state’s requirements for disinfecting divers, inspections and photographic documentation. Staff described a 94‑day work period to complete the recoating after mobilization.

Council members thanked staff for due diligence; the contract was approved unanimously. Staff will execute the contract, finalize the corrective action plan and schedule mobilization for the fall to maintain required disinfection contact times and minimize service disruption.