Share your thoughts on EBMUD’s plans to shorten the Lafayette Reservoir Tower
The Lafayette City Council wants to hear from you at their meeting on Monday, November 25, 2024
EBMUD’s iconic tower at the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir is in need of a seismic upgrade. Almost two years ago, EBMUD staff presented the Lafayette Reservoir Tower Seismic Retrofit Project to the Lafayette City Council featuring a tower shortened by 40 feet. The City Council and the community expressed grave concerns about the proposed design and the potential loss of the iconic tower that has symbolized Lafayette for decades.
A group of Lafayette residents who are renowned experts in this field volunteered to perform an independent review of the design for the City and found that the tower could be retrofitted at its current height and design. They also expressed concerns that the proposed shortening of the Tower would increase the seismic risk for the downstream residents in Lafayette in the event of a major earthquake. However, despite requests from the City and public input in favor of retaining the iconic look of the tower, EBMUD has maintained their interest in proceeding with construction plans for the shortened tower design.
Please send your comments to cityhall@lovelafayette.org or attend the Monday, November 25, City Council Meeting.
Check back on this webpage later for more details about how you can give your input at the meeting.
Background and Timeline since July 2023
July/August 2023:
Committee members presented their findings to the City Council concluding that the City of Lafayette and the broader regional recreational area which is served by the Reservoir would be better served if the existing tower could remain in its existing configuration while still providing the required necessary seismic improvements.
- Watch the recording of the July 24, 2023 presentation by the Citizen’s Committee to the City Council.
- The City Council accepted the recommendations of the Committee and sent a letter to EBMUD.
November 2023: EBMUD informs City via email that the tall tower concept was reviewed, and it was determined that it would not meet seismic requirements. The City requests a meeting with EBMUD and AECOM. Next, Committee members, EBMUD and AECOM hold virtual meeting.
February 2024: Committee sends EBMUD its report responding to discussions at the 11/28/23 meeting and concluding that the Committee’s recommended retrofit of the upper one half of the Tower utilizing only a modest addition of mild steel reinforcement will address seismic risk, life safety, code compliance, cost effectiveness and environmental sensitivity. This option would retain the Tower at its existing height.
- Read the Committee’s Report: Independent Structural Engineering and Architectural Commentary: Seismic Retrofit Study Update on Lafayette Reservoir Outlet Tower
- EBMUD sends letter to the City Manager disagreeing with the committee’s findings and offers to meet.
March 2024: Committee members and City Manager attend an in-person meeting with EBMUD and AECOM. EBMUD is asked for additional information to be reviewed by the Committee. EBMUD provides the requested information over the following weeks and the Committee begins its assessment.
April 2024: EBMUD emails the City Manager with its decision to resume the final design of the shortened tower. Committee members continue their review of the documents provided by EBMUD.
May 2024: Committee members submit their final report. Based on extensive review of EBMUD’s seismic analysis and conceptual design documentation, it is the consensus opinion of the committee members that that EBMUD’s proposed shortening of the Tower would increase the seismic risk for the downstream residents of Lafayette in a major earthquake, rather than lessening the risk.
- Read the Committee’s May 13, 2024 Report: Lafayette Reservoir Outlet Tower – EBMUD Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit Studies Report (PDF)
- Watch the recording of the May 28, 2024 presentation by the Citizen’s Committee
August 2024: The City and Committee meet with representatives from the State DOD. The City sends a letter to DSOD.
November 2024: DSOD sends response to the City.