www.becassociates.net - Amherst Elevated Water Storage Facilities

Steady residential and commercial development during the decade of the 1990's had resulted in an increased demand on the water distribution system in the City of Amherst. After performing a computerized analysis of the distribution system, Brunkhorst Engineering Consultants, Inc. recommended that a second elevated water storage tank be constructed in the southwest portion of Amherst. In 1998, Amherst purchased approximately three acres of undeveloped land at one of the highest elevations in the city for the proposed tank site and for the future site of the electric department's maintenance yard and garage.

In order for the proposed facilities to be constructed, waterlines, sanitary sewers, and a roadway were designed by Brunkhorst Engineering Consultants, Inc. and extended to the site. The waterline was constructed of 12 inch diameter PVC pipe, approximately 1700 feet long, at a cost of $50,300. The sanitary sewer was constructed of 8 inch diameter PVC pipe, was approximately 1800 feet long, and cost $59,700. The approximately 1700 feet long storm sewer was constructed of 18", 15", and 12" diameter corrugated HDPE pipe at a cost of $73,500.

The elevated water storage tank has a capacity of 750,000 gallons which increased the amount of elevated water storage in Amherst by a factor of 1.5. The tank is a pedestal spheroid constructed of steel. The conical base of the tank is insulated so that room temperature can be controlled for the telemetering system that helps control water levels in the tank. A cathodic protection system was installed in the tank to minimize deterioration of the inside of the tank due to rust, corrosion, and pitting.

The elevated water storage tank was completed in April 2000 at a cost of $729,200.