A 1-million-gallon, elevated, water storage tank was built by the Genesee County Drain Commissioner (GCDC) in Burton, MI, to increase reliability and pressure in the eastern half of the County’s water distribution and transmission system. The tank helps GCDC meet peak water demands, improve fire flow protection, and maintain pressure in the system during power outages or mechanical failure since the tower itself doesn’t use electricity. Wade Trim provided design and construction engineering services for this project that advanced the County’s 40-year Capital Improvement Plan. Partially funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the project protects public health and provides reliable, quality water to the area.

The 170-foot-high, hydropillar tank features a fluted column and 75-foot-wide bowl, electrical controls, and instrumentation. A conceptual design, with color renderings of the tank, and a preliminary site plan helped streamline review and approval by the City of Burton’s Planning Commission. Extensive land analysis was conducted through a topographic survey, soil borings, and geotechnical analysis, as well as detailed design of the elevated storage tank and site. An onsite stormwater management system was integrated with onsite storm sewer, a detention pond, and catch basins.

Wade Trim’s construction engineering services included construction administration, shop drawing review, field observation and engineering. Aerial photography surveys via drone were conducted to monitor construction progress for this sixth elevated water storage facility in the County’s system.