Kent’s West Hill water tower keeps on rising

An eventual 16-story water tower continues to grow taller on Kent’s West Hill.

Crews are busy building the $8.4 million reservoir at a former small city park at 24731 38th Ave. S., near Military Road South.

The project is scheduled to be completed by fall 2022, said city of Kent Public Works Director Chad Bieren in a Sept. 13 email.

“The steel will be erected throughout the fall/winter of 2021/2022 and will be topped off in the spring of 2022,” Bieren said. “The reservoir will be cleaned, coated, filled and tested before putting into service.”

Construction began in March on the project by Anacortes-based T Bailey Inc. The project will be paid for from the city’s water utility fund, covered by ratepayer fees.

The Kent City Council unanimously approved in November 2019 the transfer of a 0.65 acre-city park to the Public Works Department from the Parks Department to build the water storage tank near South 248th Street and Military Road South. Public Works paid the Parks Department $520,000 (set by an appraiser) for the land, with those funds to be used for park expansions, improvements or acquisitions on the West Hill.

The council in September 2019 delayed a vote on the removal of the undeveloped Kronisch Park after several people testified they wanted city officials to find a different spot for the 165-foot tower in order to preserve the park and keep such a tall tower away from their business or home.

City staff said the 5-million gallon drinking water reservoir is needed to address a water storage and fire flow deficiency in the West Hill water service area. The reservoir will ensure that residents and businesses have adequate water supply during peak demand and provide necessary fire flow storage for fighting fires.

”Completion of the tank will provide necessary storage for meeting demands of fire protection, along with the daily needs of customers for the next 50 years,” Bieren said.