Montgomery Tank Replacement

Drinking water tanks store water so that homes, businesses, and emergency services always have a reliable supply of drinking water. Water storage tanks help maintain water pressure in the drinking water distribution system and provide emergency water storage during high-demand periods or emergencies like wildfires. For example, during the 2024 Stone Canyon Fire, the Town of Lyons relied upon water stored in the existing Montgomery Tank to meet urgent fire-fighting needs.

The existing Montgomery Tank was built in the late 1960s and has reached the end of its useful life. Replacing it with a new tank continues to ensure safe, reliable water while improving system resiliency and efficiency.

We do not expect any interruptions to your water service and are working to keep it flowing throughout construction. If disruptions become necessary, the City will do its best to provide notice in advance.

When the project is finished, the site will look a bit different from today. The old steel water tank will be gone and replaced with a new concrete tank just to the northeast. The new tank will be partially buried – about 13.5 feet below ground and 10.5 feet above ground – making it much less visible than the current tank, which currently stands at about 28 feet above ground.

Next to the tank will be a small sampling building, and the area immediately surrounding the new tank and security fencing will be landscaped with native trees and shrubs to provide visual screening. The old tank site will be restored and replanted after the old tank is removed, including native grasses and even new apple trees to reflect the farm’s history.

The project is fully funded through the City’s Capital Improvement Program for water projects. About 90% of the cost comes from bonds that Longmont voters approved in the 2020 election – Ballot Question 3C passed with over 79% support. The remaining cost will be covered by the City’s water utility funds. No federal funding will be used, and this project will not require an increase in water rates or fees.