EPHRATA — The long-awaited completion of Ephrata's new water tower is in its final stages, as city officials report that the structure is expected to significantly enhance water pressure and volume throughout the community.  

Public Works Director Rob Harris confirmed that the new reservoir, which can hold approximately 3.8 million gallons of water, has been fully filled and final tests underway, with hopes of becoming fully operational by the end of the month. 

“We finished filling it on Monday morning, and now we’ve got to let it sit for a couple of days before we pull another sample,” Harris said. “We have to send that in and get another round of tests back. Once we receive those results, we will also provide all of the information to the Department of Health, and they will give us the green light to go ahead and connect it to the main water system.” 

Safety is a top priority as the city awaits the crucial testing results. Harris reassured that the anticipated complexities of the tests do not raise concerns for water safety.  

“I’m really confident that we’re not going to face any issues,” he said. “We’ve spent extra money using non-(volatile organic compounds) paint, and you can’t make something be there that’s not present. When you're talking about water for 8,000 people, you want to ensure everything is good to go before it gets put online.” 

The rigorous tests conducted on the water will include assessments for bacteria, coliform, chlorine, pH, and volatile organic chemicals, as mandated by the Washington Department of Health.  

Harris noted that the results from these tests are expected to arrive shortly after Thanksgiving. 

City Administrator Ray Towry emphasized the importance of the project. 

“It will provide better water pressure throughout town,” Towry said. “It should help increase water volume and essentially pressure for that section of town by roughly 10 to 12 psi. This should be a good thing for everybody.”  

The new water tower is anticipated to alleviate issues faced by neighborhoods, particularly in the northeast end of town, where residents have reported low water pressure during peak usage times. 

Towry explained that the construction project has cost the city approximately $15 million, which encompasses the water tower itself, upgrades to the well and well house, and a new pump and valves. He emphasized the forward-thinking nature of the project, as the upgraded pump has been oversized to accommodate growth over the next fifty years.  

“We want to make sure that our infrastructure can handle the influx of residents and the demands that come with that,” Towry said. 

Once operational, the tower will not only enhance water pressure for households but also mark an important step in Ephrata’s development efforts as both a residential and commercial hub. Towry highlighted the necessity of the infrastructure improvements. 

“If someone’s neighbor is watering their lawn and doing dishes, the person next door often isn’t able to take a shower because of a lack of water pressure,” Towry said. “This project will resolve those discrepancies.” 

Next spring, the city will also begin aesthetic enhancements to the water tower, including painting the two “E’s” representing the Ephrata School District. Due to the current weather conditions, Harris stated that it would be in the city’s best interest to delay painting the tower until spring. 

Also in the spring, the pump house will get a new motor and parts. 

“We will rebuild the pump house and wall house. Other than the well, everything else will be brand new,” Harris said.