Maguire hosts SBA roundtable and celebrates small-business champions
May 6, 2026
The Maguire Podcast: 64: Keeping Water Systems Running Strong
June 22, 2026Maguire hosts SBA roundtable and celebrates small-business champions
May 6, 2026The Maguire Podcast: 64: Keeping Water Systems Running Strong
June 22, 2026
For decades, design‑bid‑build has been the default delivery method for public water infrastructure. While familiar, this traditional approach, where design and construction occur sequentially under separate contracts, often leaves utilities managing risk, cost escalation, and schedule uncertainty alone.
Today, many water systems are choosing a better path forward: collaborative delivery.
Collaborative delivery methods are increasingly used across the water industry to deliver complex infrastructure, especially new water storage tanks, more efficiently, transparently, and successfully.
What Is Collaborative Delivery?
Collaborative delivery is an approach that intentionally brings the owner, designer, and builder together early in the project lifecycle. Rather than operating in silos, the team works as a unified group from planning through construction.
Common collaborative delivery models in the water industry include:
- Design‑Build
- Progressive Design‑Build
- Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
Each model emphasizes early contractor involvement, shared goals, and open communication, reducing the gaps that often lead to costly changes in traditional delivery.
Why Design‑Bid‑Build Often Falls Short for New Tank Projects
While design‑bid‑build works reasonably well for straightforward projects, new tank construction presents unique challenges:
- Large capital investment
- Long material lead times
- Site‑specific constructability considerations
- Critical operational requirements
Under design‑bid‑build, the contractor typically enters the project only after design is complete. This separation often results in:
- Limited constructability input during design
- Budget uncertainty until bids are received
- Increased risk of change orders and schedule extensions
Utilities are increasingly finding that this approach shifts too much risk onto the owner, especially for critical storage assets.
Why Collaborative Delivery Works for New Water Tanks
Collaborative delivery addresses these challenges by aligning expertise early and often.
Key benefits for water systems include:
Cost Transparency and Certainty
Early cost modeling and contractor input help utilities understand tradeoffs and make informed decisions before construction begins.
Schedule Efficiency
Design and construction activities can overlap, reducing total project duration, an advantage when timing is critical.
Reduced Change Orders
Constructability reviews, early procurement planning, and shared problem‑solving minimize surprises in the field.
Shared Accountability
Rather than managing competing contracts, utilities benefit from a unified team focused on best‑value outcomes, not just the lowest bid.
These advantages explain why collaborative delivery is now considered one of the fastest‑growing project delivery methods in the water industry.
Maguire’s Approach to Collaborative Delivery
At Maguire, collaborative delivery isn’t a trend; it’s how we partner with water systems to deliver successful tank projects.
As a turnkey provider, Maguire integrates:
- Planning and design support
- Engineering
- In‑house fabrication
- Construction and project execution
This integrated approach allows utilities to work with one accountable partner, supported by a collaborative team structure that emphasizes communication, transparency, and shared success.
Choosing the Right Delivery Method
Every utility and project is unique. The right delivery method depends on complexity, schedule, budget priorities, and risk tolerance. What’s clear, however, is that collaborative delivery has proven itself to be a flexible, reliable, and owner-focused approach for new tank construction.
For utilities considering new water storage, collaborative delivery offers a smarter way forward, one built on partnership, trust, and proven results.
If you’re evaluating options for a new tank project, Maguire is ready to help you explore whether collaborative delivery is the right fit.
Faq's
Collaboration ensures that engineers, contractors, municipalities, and project managers remain aligned throughout the water tank construction process. Strong communication helps prevent delays, improve efficiency, and ensure the final tank meets operational and community needs.
Water tank construction projects typically include planning, engineering, design, budgeting, permitting, fabrication, construction, inspections, coatings, startup, and ongoing maintenance planning.
Early planning helps identify site challenges, budget considerations, capacity requirements, and scheduling needs before construction begins. This reduces unexpected costs and helps projects stay on time and within budget.
Municipalities should look for a contractor with experience in engineering, tank construction, coatings, inspections, safety, project management, and long-term maintenance support. Transparent communication and proven expertise are also critical.
Long-term maintenance planning helps extend the service life of the water tank, reduce unexpected repair costs, maintain water quality, and protect the community’s infrastructure investment.
