DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Have you ever wondered what the inside of a water storage tank looks like?
On Tuesday, local stakeholders and public officials in one part of Dauphin County got the chance to find out.
Pennsylvania American Water gave a tour of one of its two water storage tanks located on Kelker Street in Swatara Township.
Each tank has a capacity of 1.93 million gallons.
“I’m a beer drinker so I always say 15 million pints of beer [fit] in each of these tanks," said Ralph Wawrzyniakowski, engineering project manager for Pennsylvania American Water.
For the last five months, the two tanks, which were built in 1973, have been getting spruced up.
The rehabilitation project has an estimated cost of $2 million and is being completed by qualified rehabilitation contractor George Kountoupes Painting Company. It involves abrasive blasting and paint application on the interior and exterior of the tank, as well as structural support evaluation and rehabilitation. The project is one of eight similar tank rehabilitation projects being completed by the company across the state this year.
“We like to keep the coating system on the interior and exterior in tip top shape," said Wawrzyniakowski. "That keeps the steel structure in its best condition for holding water for our customers.”
The tanks hold water which is used by residents and businesses throughout Steelton and parts of Swatara Township.
Steelton's mayor, Ciera Dent, was one of the people on the tour.
“I can take this off my bucket list…I think it’s amazing when you get the chance to step inside and see what it looks like," said Mayor Dent. "It’s definitely immeasurable.”
Several steps will be taken before the tanks are put back into service.
“We have to wash out the tank, we have to disinfect it, and we have to take samplings for bacteria and VOCs or volatile organic carbons which are in the paint," said Wawrzyniakowski.
Pennsylvania American Water says it should be another 30 years or so before the tanks have to be repainted again.
“We’re proud that we invest in our local communities and we keep up our infrastructure so that way it’s hopefully here for a long time to come," said Wawrzyniakowski.
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