And thanks to the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program run through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the city has secured funds to help pay for it.

The Wisconsin DNR, which conducts annual inspections on the 200,000-gallon tank, recommended the upgrades be done, said Audrey Fredrick, city administrator/clerk/treasurer.

“We had a few years’ grace period, but as long as the funding opportunity came up, we were able to capitalize on that,” she said.

The project costs $587,650 and will re-coat the inside of the tank, seal some small leaks and repair or replace the inner workings.

A RENDERING OF what Niagara’s water tank will look like after being repainted. (Submitted photo)

The outside of the tank will be repainted.

“It will help prevent some of the mildew and dark spots that collect at the bottom of the tank,” she said.

As part of the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program, the city will receive $352,590 in principal forgiveness but will still pay 1.32% on that portion. They will also pay $235,060 in principal and the same interest rate. The loan will be for 20 years.

“It will extend the longevity of the tank by approximately 30 years, protect the integrity of the tank and the water system in general,” Fredrick said. “This is the first major repair to this tower.”

The tank will be painted purple on the top and bottom, with a white center with “Niagara” painted on the side facing the highway and “Badgers” on the side that faces the football field. Fredrick said one of the city workers took photos from the football field to ensure the whole word would be visible.

A L.C. UNITED PAINTING Co. employee climbs on the Niagara water tank. Repairs and repainting are expected to start soon on the tank. (Kimberly Schuster photo)

The work will be completed by L.C. United Painting Co. of Sterling Heights, Mich. They are scheduled for 45 days and plan to work 12-hour days seven days a week. It will be loud at times, she added.

“This is great progress, and our next project will be similar for the other tank in the city, but that will be several years down the road,” Fredrick said.

Customers might experience a drop in water pressure at times during the project but the water quality is not expected to be affected, she said.