Kent’s West Hill water tower gets higher and higher

The new water tower on Kent’s West Hill remains on schedule a year into construction with a planned completion opening in the fall.

Construction photos of the 16-story tower were released last week by the city of Kent Public Works Department that how close the water reservoir is to completion.

Once it’s completed, a mural will be painted on it. Crews will clean, coat, fill and test the reservoir before putting it into service.

“It will provide the water storage necessary for fire services to keep our community safe and make sure our growth needs are met over the next couple of decades,” according to a Public Works statement. “The reservoir will address a water storage deficiency on the West Hill to ensure residents and businesses have adequate water supply during peak usage times and to provide the necessary fire flow storage for the West Hill water service area so there is sufficient water available to fight fires.”

Construction on the $8.5 million reservoir began in March 2021 by Anacortes-based T Bailey Inc. The project will be paid for from the city’s water utility fund, covered by ratepayer fees.

The reservoir is at a former small city park at 24731 38th Ave. S., near Military Road South. The city closed a pedestrian path on the south side of tank site (formally Kronisch Park) during construction. The Public Works Department will reopen the path when construction is complete.

The Kent City Council unanimously approved in November 2019 the transfer of the 0.65 acre-city park to the Public Works Department from the Parks Department to build the water storage tank. The council in September 2019 delayed a vote on the removal of the undeveloped Kronisch Park after several people testified they wanted city officials to find a different spot for the tower in order to preserve the park and keep such a tall tower away from their business or home.