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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- The ground storage tank at the Kirksville water treatment plant is getting a much needed face lift. 

The tank was drained and inspected this week revealing damage that divers were unable to see.  Therefore an extra $125,000 is needed to repair parts of the tank during the routine improvements.  A new tank would cost over a million dollars.

“When we drained the tank and were able to get into the tank and look closely we found out that there was damage to some of the components, especially the beams that support the roof to the tank which are going to have to be repaired,” said Public Works Director John Buckwalter.

Buckwalter says the tank needs additional reinforcement so it will last for years to come.  The tank was built in 1970 and was last drained 18 years ago.

Other improvements include work on pumps, the electrical system, transformers, and more.

The ground storage tank alone holds 1.5 million gallons of water which is about a third of the total water the city stores.  It also provides water for fire protection and to clean the filters at the plant.

The funds are provided through a state revolving loan fund (SRF) and user fees from your water bills.

“It’s very important as a storage tank and also to support the day-to-day operations of the plant,” said Buckwalter.

He says the tank should be back in service in 30 days.