The Watertown City Council approves $ 12 million to replace a leaking reservoir

May 01, 2025 –

Richard HallerThe Watertown City Council approves $ 12 million to replace a leaking reservoir

The members of the Watertown city council approved millions of dollars on April 21 to replace a leaking water reservoir.

A 5,000 gallon reservoir in Thompson Park in Watertown has been losing thousands of gallons water for years. The leak could be seen near the Franklin Street entrance when the treated water from the park flowed into a drainage ditch.

Officials have known about this leak for decades.

According to the Watertown Daily Times, the city believed that the leak was determined after it had spent over 300,000 US dollars for repairs, but in December they found that the tank was running again.

Now the city council has approved bonds of $ 12 million for the replacement of the reservoir. But they still haven't decided when or whether they continue with the project.

According to city officials, $ 12 million is not the final number. It is the estimated costs. This includes replacing the entire reservoir and attaching the line that leads to the tank.

At a council meeting last week, City Councilor Cliff Olney said it was important to explain this to people. “Because the number is large,” said Olney, “and when the public sees $ 12 million for what they perceive as a reservoir, it is not only a reservoir, but also other things.”

City Compotroller James Mills said that they would have to have the money approved before they could borrow. This allows you to tear down and rebuild the tank if you are ready for the project.

“I won't go to the bond market so soon and borrow it,” said Mills. “I would only borrow until the staff returns to you, with the best options, and the offer. You have the offer to choose A, B or C, and we know what the contract amounts are. Then I will connect from the front from this time. But nearly at short notice.”

From this point on, the city has logistics to find the project, including a preliminary technical report that is to be completed and submitted by the end of May.