Water Tower Maintenance

Runaway Bay’s landmark Golf Ball Water Tower is now undergoing a full rehabilitation and it's one of the most significant infrastructure projects in recent city history. While many residents recognize the tower for its distinctive “golf ball on a tee” silhouette, this 100,000-gallon elevated tank is far more than a local icon - it’s a vital part of the City’s water system, ensuring consistent pressure, reliable storage, and safe drinking water for our community.

Built in 1983 by Caldwell Tanks, the structure stands approximately 120 feet tall and has long served as a symbol of Runaway Bay’s character and resilience. Today, the City is investing in its renewal to ensure it continues to serve for decades to come.

Inspection Cover

Inspection and Findings

In May 2025, the City contracted Texas Tank Services of Whitehouse, Texas, to conduct a full inspection and in-service cleaning of the Golf Ball Tower. Certified divers followed AWWA Standard C652-02 for potable water systems, ensuring complete disinfection, safety, and compliance with all regulatory standards.

The inspection confirmed that the tower’s overall structure remains sound and stable, but noted that its coatings and protective layers had reached the end of their lifespan. Corrosion, thinning paint, and sediment buildup were identified both inside and outside the tank.

Based on those findings, Texas Tank Services recommended that the facility be rehabilitated as soon as possible - and the City has taken action.

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Work Now in Progress

Crews are now performing a complete rehabilitation of the Golf Ball Tower to ensure its long-term safety and reliability. The work includes:

• Sandblasting and recoating all interior and exterior surfaces with NSF-approved epoxy.

• Replacing corroded ladders and safety gates to meet modern safety standards.

• Installing new “Confined Space Entry” signage at all hatches and entry points.

• Cleaning out sediment and disinfecting the interior, using Blue Earth Labs’ Floran solution to remove staining and buildup.

• Repainting the tower in its classic Runaway Bay color scheme - preserving its familiar look while protecting it from future corrosion.

The project also includes upgrades to the center riser pipe, overflow flume, and roof plates, addressing areas where corrosion had developed over time.

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Why This Matters

Although the new paint will brighten Runaway Bay’s skyline, this project is far more than a visual upgrade. Repainting and rehabilitation are required by state regulations to protect public health, water quality, and system reliability. By addressing corrosion and reinforcing protective coatings, the City is safeguarding its drinking water supply and extending the tank’s service life for future generations.

Residents may notice equipment and scaffolding around the site in the coming weeks as contractors work on the tower’s exterior. All work is being performed in compliance with TCEQ safety and water-quality standards.

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Background: 2025 Inspection Summary

• Structural Integrity: Foundation, ladders, catwalks, and fencing were in good condition.

• Exterior: Peeling and thinning coatings with early signs of corrosion.

• Interior: Staining and corrosion along sidewalls, roof plates, and ladders both above and below the waterline.

• Sediment Layer: About ¾ inch of silt was measured at the tank floor.

• Water Quality: Fair clarity and cool temperature at 75% capacity — no oils, insects, or odors reported.

• Recommendations: Full rehabilitation, sediment removal, ladder replacement, and safety upgrades.

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Commitment to Runaway Bay’s Infrastructure

Through careful planning and budgeting, the City has successfully funded this critical maintenance project. The rehabilitation of the Golf Ball Tower underscores the City’s ongoing commitment to safe, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure.

When complete, the tower will continue to stand proudly over Runaway Bay. Renewed, protected, and ready to serve our community for many years to come.

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