The Aurora City Council has approved a renovation project for the city’s water tower, allocating nearly $1.9 million for the work. This decision came during a council meeting on October 17, 2023, following a recommendation from one of the council’s committees. The contract has been awarded to Era-Valdivia Contractors, Inc., marking the second significant rehabilitation of the water tower since its original construction in 1976.
According to Aurora’s Superintendent of Water Production, Bob Leible, the renovation is a “major infrastructure maintenance project.” An inspection of the water tank in 2020 indicated that repairs were necessary around this time. The previous renovation occurred in 2001, approximately 25 years after the tank was first put into service. Leible noted that after another 25 years, the tank has reached a similar maintenance threshold.
The 2020 inspection specifically recommended a full recoating of the tank along with various ancillary repairs. As highlighted in a city staff report, the water tower, located at 2680 Church Road, features a welded steel, fluted column design capable of storing up to 1.5 million gallons of water.
The design for the upcoming renovation was conducted by Engineering Enterprises, Inc., based in Sugar Grove. The firm initially estimated the construction cost at around $2.8 million, making the winning bid from Era-Valdivia Contractors significantly lower and under budget. The $1.86 million contract was approved as part of the council’s consent agenda, which typically includes routine items voted on collectively.
While all council members ultimately supported the project, Alderman Ted Mesiacos of the 3rd Ward expressed concerns about the cost estimate being nearly $1 million higher than the lowest bid. He emphasized that such discrepancies could complicate the city’s budgeting process. Leible defended the choice of Engineering Enterprises, citing their extensive experience with water tank recoating and rehabilitation projects.
The highest bid received for the project was closer to the initial estimate at around $2.5 million. In addition to this renovation, further water tank projects are planned for next year, specifically targeting two ground storage tanks situated across from the city’s water treatment plant located at 1111 Aurora Ave.
This renovation underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining its essential infrastructure, ensuring the safety and reliability of its water supply for residents.
