http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-947058.mp3
Keokuk, IA – Keokuk Water Works General Manager Bill Cole says the tower must be painted before water can be held in its storage tank. The process includes painting the interior and the exterior.
Cole says it must be at least 60-degrees outside with humidity levels below 80% before that work can get underway.
Cole says the painting should begin this spring. He says the goal is to have the 4-million gallon tank in service this fall.
Cole says the new tank will take a lot of the pressure off of Keokuk's two existing elevated tanks. He says they are cycling 6-8 times a day, which is not what they were designed to do.
Cole says the new tank will eventually cycle through its capacity at least twice a day.
A water line running from Keokuk's water plant to the tower is in place. The structure, which can be seen from downtown Hamilton, is located behind the former Lincoln Elementary School in western Keokuk.
Cole says Keokuk now has the tallest water tower in the United States. He says only an elevated tower in Pennsylvania can hold more water.
You can hear more with General Manager Bill Cole by clicking the audio link above.