Cole Lane Booster Station and Reservoir Improvements

Fast-Tracking Aurora’s Water System Expansion

Project Highlights

• 1.2-million-gallon (MG) pre-stressed concrete reservoir and four-pump booster station
• 2,000-feet of 16-inch C900 Pipeline
• Drilled displacement column ground improvement
• Accelerated design and permitting to meet American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding deadlines
• Delivered on schedule and within budget

The Challenge

To support growth and improve fire protection, the City of Aurora needed to expand the capabilities of its water system. Funded through ARPA, the project required expedited design and permitting to meet strict deadlines. The City also experienced low water pressure and an insufficient water supply for firefighting in higher areas. Complicating the project further, the proposed reservoir site presented ground stability challenges, including potential soil liquefaction.

The Solution

Keller designed a new 1.2 MG prestressed concrete reservoir, a four-pump booster station, and a 16-inch transmission main connecting the new facilities to the existing distribution system. The prestressed concrete tank was selected for its seismic resilience and 100-year design life. To address site conditions, Keller incorporated drilled displacement column (DDC) ground improvements. Variable frequency drives allow operators to adjust flow and pressure as community demand changes, while close coordination with permitting agencies kept the fast-tracked project moving forward.

The Results

The booster station and reservoir are in startup and will soon bring additional storage and pressure capacity online. Once fully operational, the improvements will increase pressure, improve fire flow, and support future growth. Keller also helped the City meet critical ARPA funding requirements by keeping the project on schedule and within budget.