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pandemic . Bids for the water tower portion of the project were opened September 11 , 2020 . Ayres estimated the cost of the project at $ 2,416,600 , and winning bids came in nearly $ 261,000 less .
“ We were able to secure bids for the project before the inflation that hit during and after the pandemic ,” Harris said . “ The City benefited from that better pricing .” staff , too , Harris said . First , the new tower has separate pipes to fill and draw water .
“ Most designs prior to the time of construction of this tower have a single fill and draw pipe ,” Stoffel said . “ That system does not turn the water over top to bottom ; the top portion of the tank tends to see little water movement so there is less mixing . Mixing is important in a water tower in the winter to help prevent freezing , and all year long to help keep the water from becoming stagnant .”
Some of the materials needed for the project became scarce during and after the pandemic , Stoffel said . “ We were seeing 30 % to 50 % increases after the pandemic , and more importantly shortages of some materials were delaying projects by as much as one to two years .”
Innovative design
Current and future development benefit from the third water tower , but a couple of innovative design features help City
With a single draw and fill pipe , the tank must be drained periodically , or a mechanical system needs to be used to keep the water mixed , Harris said . Both solutions present ongoing costs for the City .
“ Having separate draw and fill pipes increases water quality and protects against freezing naturally , without mechanical means ,” Stoffel said .
6 | TRENDS Ingenuity , Integrity , and Intelligence .