QUESTION:
I see water storage tanks on hillsides throughout the community. What purpose do those serve?
ANSWER:
EMWD has nearly 80 storage tanks throughout its service area, but did you know their main role is different than most people expect?
These tanks – which hold millions of gallons of water apiece – are often nestled into hillsides and painted to blend in with their surroundings. They are placed on hills at specifically designed elevations to pressurize our water system, allowing you to receive the right amount of water pressure delivered to your home or business.
This is the same reason why many water tanks in flat areas, such as the Midwest, are built on stilts – so there is enough gravity to create the pressure needed for water delivery and use.
So the next time you pass by a hill and manage to spot one of our tanks high above your community, you can be sure it's doing its job by helping to keep our system running as it should.
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