The City of Grand Forks has completed the initial construction phase of its new East Zone reservoir.
The new glass-fused-to-steel reservoir is replacing the city’s aging underground tank and will hold about 5.8 million litres (1.6 million gallons) of water. It is the largest reservoir in the city’s water system and serves most of the city’s residents.
Mayor Everette Baker said the project represents a major investment in the city’s future.
“This is just another example of this council delivering a project that’s been wanted. I think the first one was built in 1913, and there has been lots of additions over the years, and it’s been talked about being replaced and we’re well on our way to seeing it completed,” Baker said.
The city said in a press release the next phase of the project includes connecting the reservoir to the city’s water network, installing security, control and monitoring systems, and completing testing and final operational checks before it comes online this fall.
Once operational, the new reservoir is expected to expand water storage capacity while improving reliability for homes and businesses
Baker said the project is designed to support Grand Forks’ growth for decades to come.
“The fact that we have an up-to-date reservoir that will serve us into the next decades and provide water not only for our homes and security of the water, but also to fire as well is a good news story,” he said.
The reservoir is part of the city’s broader water system improvements project, funded primarily through the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with additional contributions from the City of Grand Forks.
Site preparation for the project began in September 2025, with primary construction starting in March 2026. The city initially estimated the reservoir replacement project would cost $4,052,000, while Phase 2 well work was estimated at about $2,009,000.
In September 2025, city staff told council Phase 1 was on track to come in $800,000 under budget. Baker confirmed the project remains on track to finish under budget, and said council has already earmarked the surplus for well work as part of Phase 2.
While residents are unlikely to notice any immediate changes once the reservoir comes online, Baker emphasized the investment will support future growth and improve the city’s long-term water security.
“We’re looking at some solid growth here in Grand Forks. We have a number of developers looking to come to community, which means potentially some housing. And, you know, we can’t do without water.”
This 2-minute timelapse video captures the construction of the Grand Forks Reservoir tank, highlighting key stages of the project from site preparation through to completion.
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