(Photo provided)
In Valparaiso, the mayor’s office says the city’s original water tower is getting “a fresh new finish, inside and out this summer.” The project will be complete by the end of August. “We’re excited to showcase a new look that also updates the water tower, maintaining surfaces for the future,” said Mayor Matt Murphy. The tower on Franklin Street, built in 1936, is out of service during the work, including time for the surfaces to cure, followed by sterilizing the interior and repeated lab testing. In the meantime, Valpo says it still maintains a robust one-and-a-half million gallons of water through its other two towers on Silhavy and Campbell. Valparaiso’s city water comes from nearly two dozen underground wells which pump water into treatment plants where it is then filtered and stored in the city’s ground storage tanks then as needed pumped into the three water towers.
Recoating the water tower adds life to the surfaces, protecting them from the elements, the news release said. The exterior process involves creating a large stencil of the artwork and then rolling/brushing the color over the white base coat – all done by hand. The new surface is expected to last 20 years with proper maintenance. Valparaiso City Services has the city’s three water towers inspected and maintained regularly to maximize their lifespans. Next up, the Silhavy water tower will likely be recoated in the next several years, followed by the Campbell Street tower, which is the city’s newest tower.
“Water towers are very valuable to a community as they ensure water pressure throughout the city, 24/7, 365 days a year, regardless of weather or usage levels,” said Bob Garmon, Collections & Distribution Manager for Valparaiso City Services. “Not only is pressure important for home use, but in case of fire, you want consistent water pressure at all times. Valparaiso provides this stability each day,” he said.
