Water Tower Overhaul Prevents Costly Rebuild

The city of Eagle River has launched a major maintenance project on its water tower. This critical infrastructure is receiving a complete cleaning and repainting for the first time in roughly 25 years under the guidance of utility Manager Mike Sanborn, whose aim is to preserve the tower's integrity while ensuring continued reliable service to residents.

The project involves sandblasting and repainting the tower’s interior and exterior. These actions are essential to prevent corrosion and preserve water quality. Sanborn explained that rebuilding the tower would cost well over a million dollars, which makes regular maintenance a far more responsible investment.

Classic Protective Coating Inc. has been contracted to complete the work which began last week. The tower will be offline for eight to 12 weeks while the project is underway, leaving the city to depend on well pumps and pressurized tanks to maintain water service.

City residents should not experience any disruption or noticeable difference in their water usage during this period. The pressurized tanks and well pump systems are designed to maintain normal household water pressure and ensure consistent service throughout the project. To support system stability, residents are asked to limit non-essential water use. Activities such as filling swimming pools and extending lawn watering should be avoided.

The water tower will retain its traditional color scheme and continue featuring the name Eagle River. If weather conditions are favorable and work progresses smoothly, the project could be completed in as little as eight weeks.

A temporary tower is on site to house the county's communication equipment during the maintenance.

Plans in Place to Maintain Fire Protection

Throughout the project, fire protection will proceed without interruption. Mutual aid agreements are established, and outside departments have agreed they will deploy water tenders when responding to structure fires in Eagle River. Drafting operations from local lakes will enhance these responses, while the city’s fire trucks will continue to utilize hydrants for water.

The fire department has already completed its pump training and focuses on draft training to ensure readiness throughout the maintenance period.

One of the biggest concerns during this time is the Fourth of July holiday weekend which traditionally sees a spike in fire calls, often related to fireworks. This year, the risk is particularly elevated because the water tower will be offline during the celebrations.

The concern focuses on the commercial-grade fireworks, which the city has permitted private citizens to launch as part of its display, being held Saturday, July 5. These Class B fireworks are powerful and pose a greater fire hazard than standard consumer fireworks. The timing of this activity, coupled with dry summer conditions and the temporary adjustments to the water system, creates a situation that requires extra caution.

The Eagle River City Council has been made aware of these concerns, receiving multiple reminders from fire officials of the heightened risk associated with these celebrations, particularly given that the water tower is out of service. Despite these warnings, the council has consistently voted to permit private individuals to use commercial-grade fireworks for the holiday display.

Council President Kim Schafer has been the only consistent voice of opposition. She has regularly opposed these approvals, raising safety concerns and the potential strain on emergency services above a fireworks celebration on the fifth of July.

About the Author: Michael Anderson is the fire chief of the Eagle River Fire Department and a lifelong Eagle River resident. Born and raised in the community, he takes pride in serving the people and place he has always called home. A retired U.S. Army Major, Michael served 23 years in the Infantry, Logistics, Ordnance, and Civil Affairs, including multiple overseas deployments.