Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
City Council Decision To Build It 65 Years Ago Was A Good One
Kimball's million gallon water tower stands on the hill south of the city.
Purchases and major decisions made by the Kimball City Council 65 years ago continue to have an impact on residents today – and the water tower south of town is a perfect example of lasting decisions.
In March 1956, the council approved construction of a new storage reservoir and water system, according to March 22, 1956, Western Nebraska Observer. That reservoir, or water tower, located just south of town continues to serve the community today.
The Kimball Country Club provided the site for the water tower "in return for which the city will provide a fire hydrant and water service for the club building," the Observer reported.
The cost for the million gallon "storage reservoir" was, according to the Observer, $54,890.
"A large main will be laid down Chestnut Street to connect the city system with the new reservoir," the article said. "A new system of linking existing mains will be included to give better distribution of water pressure throughout the city."
The Observer stated that the entire project would total out at $177,200, which seems very reasonable in today's skyrocketing prices of big government projects. A water bond issue financed the project and "revenue earned by the water department" was designated to repay the bond. An increase in water prices took effect, according to the Observer, in the month of March.
Today, the million gallon water town on the hill south of town provides the bathing, drinking and cooking needs of Kimballites. Current Water Superintendent Carson Sisk said during winter the town uses between 200,000-250,000 gallons of water daily. The summers can drain the million gallons in one day.
Three groundwater wells provide the water to fill the tower. Technology has improved the method of controlling the level of water in the tank.
Sisk said that "when the tank level drops, then one or more wells will start" in order to keep the level up on the tower. The well sites talk to each other via radio frequency, and a computer in the water department oversees everything.
The state requires inspection of the water tower every five years, although Sisk said that Kimball tries to have it inspected every three years. Recently a mixer was installed to help keep the water fresh.