City's new water tower opens up west-side development
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The new 116-foot tall Janesville water tower is set to go into use by city residents about July 1.
JANESVILLE — Janesville’s newest landmark is all spiffed up and ready to go, probably by July 1.
Pilots of small planes and motorists know now when they pass Janesville if they see the city’s new—and first—water tower with its squiggly-tree logo on the city’s west side.
Residents can get a good look at the tower from:
-- Downtown, standing on the Milwaukee Street Bridge near the Hayes Block.
-- Interstate 90/39 driving from the south.
-- County A around Fulton.
-- The new Menards store.
-- Driving west on Black Bridge Road.
Jack Messer, the city’s public works director, answered questions about Janesville’s new water tower.
Q: How does a water tower work?
A: It really is very simple. A tower is an elevated water storage tank that uses gravity to supply customers with adequate water flow and pressure. A tank is a more stable way to provide water than relying on pumping alone.
The water is pumped during non-peak electric hours from the city wells into the tank, where it is then stored. Because it is stored, the city can use smaller pumps.
Q: Why is this our first water tower?
A: Janesville actually has two other water reservoirs that perform the same functions as elevated water towers. The tanks are built into hills and look like mounds of dirt.
The first, 9-million-gallon water tank was built in 1928. A second smaller reservoir holds 5 million gallons. Both are located on the west side, one next to the new tower.
Q: Why is a tower needed now?
A: The water tower will allow the city to serve new development on the city’s west side, including the new Hendricks development, and also improve water pressure for some existing residents.
Q: Will we need more water towers in the future?
A: The city will need another reservoir on the east side, possibly within the next five years. Whether it can get by with an underground reservoir or must build another tower depends on the land the city can buy. Officials hope to build somewhere off County A. That reservoir or tower would boost the city’s capabilities on high-usage days and during emergency situations.
Q: How do you get to the top of a tower?
A: A core with a ladder runs through the middle of the sphere.
Q: Why do you want to get to the top?
A: For maintenance, including painting. The city also sells space to cellular companies. The few people who get to the top have a great view of the city.
TOWER FACTS
Cost: The tank cost $889,000, and the pumping station cost $1.2 million for a total of $2.1 million.
Height: 116 feet.
Sphere size: About 74 feet from the ground and 55 feet in diameter.
Capacity: 500,000 gallons.
Pressure: According to the Web site www.howstuffworks.com, each foot of height provides 0.43 pounds per square inch of pressure. The typical municipal water supply runs at between 50 and 100 PSI. Major appliances require at least 20 to 30 PSI.
Color: Off white. The tower has the city’s name and squiggly-tree logo.
Number of city wells: Nine.
Miles of water pipe: 350.
Number of customers: 23,000.
Water pumped by the city each day: An average of 13 million gallons, with 23 million gallon a maximum. It totals about 5 billion gallons a year.
Jun 26, 2008 at 11:01 a.m.
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allwayright- what is your probelm with my comments!!!!????? what do you mean OUR?
Jun 26, 2008 at 10:28 a.m.
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I like the tower, was out by it yesterday. I was just curious about the leasing of the cell tower on top and where the money goes. I love Janesville, lived here all my life (82yrs) and have pride in the job the city does.
Jun 26, 2008 at 4:23 a.m.
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Maybe my paintball gun can shoot that far...:)
Jun 25, 2008 at 6:23 p.m.
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I think it looks nice. i have seen smiley faced ones that look fun.
Jun 25, 2008 at 5:44 p.m.
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"...ways the city is looking to improve its image..."
Well said Anonomouse. I immediately thought of the Cherry Vale logo when I was a kid shopping for school clothes so know a logo can be a subliminal "first impression" for visitors. Tying the logo in with the city website, letterhead, etc., creates a cohesive image. Outward signs of pride in our community image may make a new business take another look at Janesville. An old rusting water tower spells "urban decay" and that impression can taint other aspects of the area when businesses are scouting new locations. Just ask a realtor if a fresh coat of paint can work wonders.
Jun 25, 2008 at 5:36 p.m.
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Looks like a Big Onion to me
Jun 25, 2008 at 4:56 p.m.
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To bad you can't even see that it says anything from a distance...stupid water tower
Jun 25, 2008 at 4:50 p.m.
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FYI: Water towers are owned by a municipality's water system and are paid for from water system funds. The cost is carried by the rate payers (water customers), it is not on the tax levy.
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Contracts for leasing space to cell phone providers have to be approved by the city council and can bring in tens of thousands of dollars a year.
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Lots of towns paint their towers white and I've never seen one that has turned yellow.
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Having your town's name and logo displayed on the water towers should be a matter of pride for citizens. If you don't see it that way, I guess you aren't proud of your community and that's too bad.
Jun 25, 2008 at 2:32 p.m.
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The cap letters are in the same fashion on the City website....
Jun 25, 2008 at 2:27 p.m.
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For the people complaining of the costs; something to consider: (I posted this also in the manhole cover complaint area)
Anyone think that the manhole covers, water tower, pedestrian underpass, etc. could be ways the City is looking to improve it's image so it can recruit new business to the area? The tax dollars the City is spending may be being spent to make the City look more progressive and attractive to potential income. Just a thought. Well I guess its more fun to cry why me, bury your heads in the sand and hope pouting will keep GM in town.
Jun 25, 2008 at 2:14 p.m.
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Caps Lock was sticking.....
Jun 25, 2008 at 1:50 p.m.
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I think it looks very nice. However, Loves Park, Illinois recently ran an article that white paint yellows fast. They had considered switching painting their white water tower to dark blue to alleviate a need to paint every few years. It was voted down, but I think we will be in a similiar situation.
My only question is why is the J, S and E larger than the rest?
Jun 25, 2008 at 12:14 p.m.
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The "squiggly-tree" is a "city" logo that's been around for quite some time. For instance, it has been appearing on the Park Place News (The CIty of Janesville's Newsletter) since the Spring of 2000.
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I'm not sure how much green paint is going for these days, but I doubt painting the logo increased the price of this project by much.
Jun 25, 2008 at 11:14 a.m.
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also did the city council approve selling space at the top of the tower for cell phone equipment?
Jun 25, 2008 at 11:11 a.m.
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How much does the city get for cell phone equipment on top?
Jun 25, 2008 at 11:03 a.m.
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Right. It's only for the logo. Obviously that's why the article spent 200 words talking about water pressure.
Jun 25, 2008 at 10:06 a.m.
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Unbeleivable that we would spend all that money on such a fancy logo in these economic times!
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