Gainesville completes new central water tower improving city water pressure

Gainesville recently completed construction of a new central water tower, as part of the city’s ongoing effort to modernize its aging water system and improve water pressure for residents.

The tower, now more than twice the height of the former central tower, is designed to increase water pressure in the central part of the city. Gainesville’s water system relies on four wells supplying three towers — east, west and central. While the new tower was under construction, the city operated both the east and central districts off the east water tower, with officials reporting a slight decrease in water loss in November.

The project was funded by a grant totaling more than $4 million awarded last year to address infrastructure issues, system redundancy and frequent leaks caused by aging water lines. Many of the city’s older pipes, some made of lead or copper, had reached the end of their service life and were replaced as part of the work. Additional leaks were discovered and repaired during construction.

The new tower still requires interior and exterior painting before it can be placed into service. The tower will be painted silver with the name Gainesville displayed on the side to match the city’s other towers. Weather conditions will determine when painting and curing can be completed, with the city hoping to finish the work before spring. If not, the tower is expected to go online mid-next year.

Additional work is planned, including further water line replacements, new connections near Highways 5 and 160, and a future booster station. City officials are waiting on easements before tackling the planned next phases.

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