Ransom water tower gets facelift

Illinois American Water is rehabilitating the 75,000-gallon water tower in Ransom.

The company also is making upgrades to the water treatment facility there, bringing the total to about $430,000 in upgrades.

Work on the water tower, built in 1990, kicked off in March. The tank was taken out of service to complete the necessary work, which includes inspection and maintenance as well as painting to the interior and exterior, according to a press release from Illinois American Water.

The old paint was sandblasted off and a primer coat will be applied to prevent rusting. Tank painting is being completed under a canvas to ensure debris and paint doesn’t escape. Crews will give the tower a third and final coat of paint.

Illinois American Water is working with the village to put the Ransom logo on the tower.

“Water tanks not only serve a vital role in our water distribution systems, but they serve as landmarks for communities,” said Kent Woodburn, operations supervisor for Illinois American Water, in a press statement. “We are excited to give this tank a facelift.”

Water service will not be significantly affected, the company said. Customers may notice a slight variation in water pressure as a result of the tower being out of service. The quality of water will not be affected, according to the press release.

Once the work is completed, the tower will be inspected and placed back in service.

Water treatment plant upgrades

Illinois American Water plans to upgrade the water treatment plant and install new chemical feed equipment. This work is expected to begin at the end of May, according to the company.

The new chemical feed equipment will ensure stable disinfection and decrease the need for flushing throughout the distribution system, said Steve Wegman, senior engineer for Illinois American Water.

The entire project is expected to be completed in October.