Paul Grundemann, Centennial Water & Sanitation District’s director of operations and a 26-year employee died recently after a brief illness. Grundemann was the first employee to be hired by Centennial Water, and has been instrumental in the development and delivery of water and wastewater services for Highlands Ranch. Grundemann dedicated his professional career to improving the water and wastewater industry.
“Paul led a number of innovative projects throughout the development of the Highlands Ranch community,” said Centennial Water & Sanitation District General Manager John Hendrick. “We greatly appreciate the 26 years of service Paul provided. His contribution on many levels will be missed by Centennial water employees and the citizens of Highlands Ranch.”
A long-time water and wastewater professional, Grundemann also served as a leader on a number of statewide commissions, councils and committees. He was appointed by Governor Bill Owens as a commissioner on the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission. He was also active with the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), the Colorado Wastewater Utility Council and South Platte Coalition for Urban River Evaluation (CURE) among many others.
Grundemann used innovative and pioneering approaches to serve water and wastewater customers. He implemented the use of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR), which has been a successful water storage strategy for Centennial Water for many years. He also was involved with the Pankake Ranch project, which is an efficient permanent site for the disposal of wastewater solids. Grundemann also developed the application of GIS for water and wastewater infrastructure, he managed a sophisticated energy conservation program that dramatically reduced energy consumption from the water and wastewater plants in Highlands Ranch. He also oversaw the design and construction of many in-house projects that not only protected water quality, but also saved Centennial Water hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Grundemann will be missed by all. Services will be held Friday, January 8 at 2 p.m. at the Inn at Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.
Grundemann is survived by his wife Theresa Grundemann, his daughter Sarah Grundemann, his son Chris Grundemann and his two grandsons and his mother Martha Grundemann.