Beginning in fall of 2023, work will begin on a new, modern water treatment facility in Westminster that will reliably provide 15 million gallons of water per day (MGD). The new facility will be built on property the City recently acquired on Westminster Boulevard just north of 98th Avenue, a site that had been previously destined for development. The new water treatment facility will allow Westminster to retire portions of the Semper Water Treatment Facility, the aging water treatment plant located off 90th Avenue and Pierce Street that was built over a half-century ago.
When the community raised concerns about affordability, the City carefully reevaluated the project to ensure it could continue to deliver clean and safe drinking water in a financially responsible manner. City staff identified nearly $100 million in cost savings after analyzing updated water consumption data and right-sized the facility to meet Westminster’s reduced water treatment needs. The City also significantly cut water rates for all residents, and capped future rate adjustments to 4.5% or less annually over the next ten years.
The 40-acre site will allow the City to add additional treatment technology and processes as future regulations and detection capabilities change. While the City has not seen detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in its water supply, the new plant will be able to incorporate new treatment systems as the technology and regulations standards are developed.
Modern Technology to Protect Westminster’s Water
The new facility will provide enhanced treatment processes including modern filtration design and mechanical systems to actively remove particulates from the water. Ozonation is an additional treatment process that may be included in the treatment facility based on City Council’s approval. Ozonation provides a second layer of disinfection against bacteria and viruses, reduces heavy metals including iron, manganese, and lead, and addresses pollution related to wildfire and algae blooms.
The Project Has Begun!
Design of the new water treatment site, including enhancement of the trails adjacent to Hyland Ponds Open Space, is already underway and scheduled for completion in late 2024. The community will start to see activity on the site as early as this summer, and construction is expected to be completed in 2028.
The City will begin a public engagement process to gather additional feedback from the community later this year.
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