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<\/p>\nCity leaders in Odem are weighing major repairs to the city\u2019s water tower after an inspection revealed severe deterioration that could require millions of dollars to address.<\/p>\n
Mayor David Maldonado said the findings were discussed this week following an inspection conducted as part of a planned rehabilitation project for the decades-old structure.<\/p>\n
According to a post by Maldonado, inspectors found extensive corrosion and coating failure both inside and outside the tower, with some steel plates deteriorated to the point that holes have formed.<\/p>\n
Odem leaders consider repairs after inspection finds major water tower damage<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of rust both on the exterior and the interior of the water tower,\u201d Maldonado told KRIS 6 News. \u201cSome rust was already kind of all the way through. You could actually put your hand through some of the openings.\u201d<\/p>\n
The water tower, which Maldonado said has been in place for more than 30 years, has never undergone a full service or rehabilitation since it was installed. City officials previously avoided taking it offline due to the lack of a backup system capable of maintaining water service during repairs.<\/p>\n
Inspectors also identified OSHA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality violations tied to corrosion, including unsafe ladder rungs, missing gaskets and non-compliant vents. Maldonado said engineers do not believe the structure is in danger of collapsing but stressed repairs are needed soon.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey don\u2019t feel that it\u2019s in a situation where it could collapse or anything,\u201d Maldonado said. \u201cBut it is in a position where it really needs to be serviced pretty soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
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KRIS 6 News<\/p>\n
Some of the photos shared by Mayor David Maldonado of the damage to the city’s water tower.<\/p>\n
Despite the structural concerns, Maldonado said inspectors did not find issues with water quality. Lead testing was also conducted due to the age of the tower\u2019s original coating, but no contamination was detected.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this time, there\u2019s no real issue with water quality,\u201d Maldonado said. \u201cThat was great news for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
City officials were presented with two primary options: rehabilitate the existing 0.3 million-gallon water tower at an estimated cost of $2.3 million, or replace it with a new 0.5 million-gallon tower for nearly $8 million. Maldonado said replacement is not financially feasible at this time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe recommendation was really that we build a new water tower,\u201d Maldonado said. \u201cBut unfortunately, the cost is around $8 million, and we\u2019re really not in a position to do that right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
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KRIS 6 News<\/p>\n
The water tower overlooking the city of Odem. The city council hopes to overhaul the tower in the near future.<\/p>\n
Instead, the city plans to move forward with rehabilitation using grant funding secured prior to Maldonado\u2019s term in office, along with city reserves if additional costs arise. Maldonado said the city has maintained budget surpluses over the past two fiscal years to prepare for situations like this.<\/p>\n
Maldonado also emphasized that residents should not expect water service interruptions during the rehabilitation process, citing upgrades to the city\u2019s water system that allow the tower to be taken offline temporarily.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be able to take the water tower offline while the work is being done, and we\u2019ll still be able to provide service to the community,\u201d Maldonado said.<\/p>\n
A more detailed presentation on the water tower\u2019s condition and rehabilitation options is expected during the Odem City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3.<\/p>\n
For the latest local news updates, click here<\/a>, or download the KRIS 6 News App.<\/a><\/p>\n