West Water Tower and Ground Storage Tank

The West Water Tower is a water storage structure in Orion, Illinois, consisting of a steel tank with a hemispherical bottom supported by a steel frame structure. Standing at approximately 136 feet tall, it works together with a ground storage tank to supply water to the village's distribution system.

Built in 1928, this water infrastructure was constructed following several fires that exposed gaps in the village's firefighting capabilities. The project improved both emergency response and everyday water distribution across the community.

The water tower and ground storage tank exemplify the engineering methods and architectural standards of municipal water supply systems in the 1920s.

Located along 11th Avenue, the structure is visible from public areas where you can observe the steel framework and the ground tank alongside it. The site is easily accessible for anyone interested in viewing this piece of local infrastructure.

The redwood construction of the ground storage tank represents specific engineering choices made during the early twentieth century industrial development.

Location: Orion

GPS coordinates: 41.35366,-90.38182

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:20