A tall white water tower under construction rises above a fenced work site, with a crane and equipment in the background and a blue sign in the foreground indicating the project is funded by ARPA.

The City of Altus is continuing progress on a major infrastructure project with the construction of a new elevated water tower on the north side of the community.

The project includes a 500,000 gallon elevated storage tank, which will become the City’s fourth water tower, along with more than 4,600 feet of new 12 inch water main to connect the tower into the existing distribution system. The project is funded in part through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

City officials say the investment is designed to support long-term growth, improve system performance, and enhance reliability across the community.

“This project is an important step in strengthening our water infrastructure,” said Chris Riffle. “It will help improve water pressure, support development in north Altus, and ensure reliable service for residents and businesses.”

Water towers play a critical role in maintaining consistent water pressure by using elevation and gravity, while also providing stored water during periods of peak demand, emergencies, or temporary disruptions.

In addition to improving pressure, the North Water Tower will increase system redundancy and enhance fire protection capabilities by ensuring a more consistent and readily available water supply.

The project also includes installation of a new high-density polyethylene water main. This modern material is heat fused into a continuous pipeline, creating a durable, leak-resistant system with fewer joints. The pipe is designed to be flexible, corrosion-resistant, and built for long-term performance.

Construction is ongoing, with crews continuing work on both the tower structure and water line connection. As the project progresses, additional phases will include protective coating and final system integration.

The North Water Tower project reflects the City of Altus commitment to investing in critical infrastructure that supports public safety, economic growth, and quality of life.

Updates will be provided as construction continues.

An aerial view of a water tower construction site shows the circular base, surrounding gravel work area, equipment, and materials spread across the site.A top-down aerial view of the water tower shows the circular top structure with visible openings and construction details, surrounded by the work site below.A tall water tower under construction stands at a work site with a large yellow crane, construction materials, and equipment surrounding the base in an open rural area.Large black water pipes are stacked at a construction site near an excavator, with open fields and equipment visible in the background.Construction crews install a long underground water pipeline using heavy equipment along a roadside in a rural area.