SOUTH JACKSONVILLE, Ill (WICS) — A South Jacksonville water tower is in need of repairs.
South Jacksonville officials have begun weighing a decision to either repair or replace a 250,000 gallon water tank.
The South Jacksonville water tower is about 57 years old. A typical water tower like the south Jacksonville tank has a lifespan of about 50 or 60 years.
Associate Bryan Cannon with Benton Engineering said with the right repairs, that lifetime could be extended. That could cost over a million dollars.
Jacksonville officials have the option to either conduct the needed repairs on the tower or build a new one.
“I think it was 2.4 million. That’s based upon one we’ve got under construction right now. But it would vary. That is for basically the same size of tower. It’s if they want to spend it now or later. Basically what it’s going to be, one or the other,” Cannon said.
Cannon said that there could be more grant opportunities if the city chooses to go the option of building a new tower.
Cannon said the city could also opt to only do the highest priority repairs, saving money on those costs.
In the meantime, Cannon said there’s no threat to any Jacksonville residents who rely on the water tower–and the water is still safe.
In the event that the water tower is shut down for repairs, Cannon said the village is able to purchase water from the city.