The City of Canyon has moved forward with a long-discussed infrastructure upgrade, approving the 4th Street Ground Storage Tank Reconstruction Project. The initiative, estimated at nearly $4 million, is designed to replace aging water storage infrastructure that city officials have described as past its serviceable life. The decision marks a significant step in addressing a need that has been recognized for more than a decade.
The project centers on improving the city’s groundwater storage capacity by replacing three existing underground storage tanks. The current tanks are more than 70 years old and have deteriorated to a point where continued repair is no longer considered viable. In addition, the condition of the tanks places the city close to non-compliance with regulations set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. City staff have emphasized that the condition of the existing infrastructure poses challenges both for maintenance and for ensuring water quality standards.
Plans call for construction of a new concrete tank capable of holding one million gallons of water. The project will also involve replacing and installing new piping, control valves and associated mechanical equipment. These components are essential for regulating water flow and ensuring safe storage and distribution throughout the community. Because the tanks directly serve the city’s well system, the improvements are expected to have a direct impact on both reliability and long-term water quality.
Although the need for the project was identified many years ago, progress was delayed primarily due to cost concerns. The initial design phase began in 2011, but funding limitations resulted in the plans being set aside. The city revisited the project as part of broader discussions on necessary infrastructure investments, especially those affecting public safety and regulatory compliance.
Funding was originally included within the Series 2025 Certificates of Obligation issued in March. That funding allocation did not fully cover the total estimated cost, requiring the city to establish a supplemental financing plan. The additional arrangement ensures that the project can proceed without further delay and provides a structure for covering the remaining expenses. City leaders have presented the funding plan as a necessary investment in a critical community resource.
City officials have emphasized that the upgrade is not a matter of expansion or enhancement, but rather a matter of maintaining safe and functional infrastructure. The existing tanks have aged beyond their intended lifespan, and continued operation without replacement could jeopardize water quality standards. Ensuring compliance with state regulations is considered essential, as water quality directly affects daily household use, public facilities and overall public health.
The timeline for construction is projected to be under 18 months, although schedules may shift depending on weather conditions, supply availability and construction progress. Once completed, the new storage tank and associated improvements are intended to provide a reliable and maintainable system for years to come.
Overall, the project reflects an effort to balance long-term planning with immediate infrastructure needs. By investing in the replacement of deteriorating water storage systems, the City of Canyon aims to ensure stable service, maintain regulatory compliance and protect the community’s water supply into the future.
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