EPHRATA — After several weeks of waiting, the city of Ephrata has finally got its state test results back for the water tower, showing the water is negative for any contaminants.  

“We are looking forward to getting everything online,” Ephrata Public Works Director Rob Harris said.  

He said public works are working on connecting the tower to the rest of the water system. The city got the results back Wednesday morning and is anticipating the tower to be connected by the end of day. The Ephrata Heights pressure zone is expected to be in service by around 3 p.m. Wednesday.  

“Well, we are just excited to see if we finally get online, after working on the project for at least 10 years,” Mayor Bruce Reim said. “It just confirms the efforts for us to have appropriate water pressure and water rights for years to come. Water rights are important and will keep us in service for the next 20 or so years.” 

Reim said the project began as an idea about 10 years ago. Following, the city has to secure funding, find a location, and study the impact on the water system.  

“I just want to say I appreciate our community for their involvement, paying attention to what has been happening and recognizing the work that went into this,” Reim said. “Also, the public works team has gone above and beyond to make sure this project was successful. A multi-million-dollar project is a big win for the city.”  

Residents may begin to notice a slight improvement in water pressure after the system comes online. Because water is flowing through new routes, some customers may experience temporarily discolored water, according to the city. This is normal; it should settle on its own and is still safe to drink.  

The only step left is to paint it this upcoming spring. The water tower will be adorned with two Ephrata School District “E’s” when the weather gets nicer. 

“That water tower will benefit more than just the local community, but the whole city,” Reim said. “It is part of our water process now. They will all be working as one unit.”