Robert J. Mahoney has been leading an ongoing effort at Denver Water to update and improve their engineering standards. With an influx of major projects on the horizon, Mahoney and his team saw the need for a comprehensive Capital Project Procedures Manual, as well as updated Engineering Standards, Capital Projects Construction Standards (CPCS) and CAD Standards. These documents were made available online for easy access by staff, contractors, and consultants.
The main goal of these standards was to increase efficiency and consistency across projects, both within and outside of Denver Water’s jurisdiction. By including all technical content in the CPCS, the standards have eliminated the need for project-specific information, saving time and resources. They have also been adopted by smaller waterworks utilities in Colorado and have been downloaded by users in multiple states and countries.
Contractors bidding for Denver Water projects no longer have to worry about varying preferences from different engineers, resulting in more competitive bids. Mahoney’s commitment to collaboration and partnerships has been praised by those working with him, such as Chris Loeffler, project director for Kiewit Corp.
Denver Water engineers continuously update the standards, with the fifth edition on the horizon. This edition will include updates on roller-compacted concrete, electrical specifications, and non-copper service line specifications. Mahoney and his team also strive to include information on their lead replacement program, as they hope other cities will adopt their standards as well.
This collaborative effort involves input from staff, peer waterworks agencies, and manufacturers to ensure the standards remain relevant and trustworthy. As Denver Water continues to update and improve their engineering standards, Mahoney’s dedication and leadership will continue to pave the way for efficient and consistent projects.