Residents and visitors will notice a new view in downtown Ocean City, as the highly anticipated beach ball water tower received its final coat of paint this weekend. The brand new landmark, which has been under construction since June of 2015, will replace two aging water towers and is expected to enhance fire flow, improve water quality and reduce maintenance costs.
The beloved beach ball, which is slated for completion in November, will hold one million gallons of water, allowing the town to remove existing towers on Worcester Street and 15th Street. Located at 1st Street, the project cost approximately $4.9 million dollars and was funded by general obligation bonds. The removal of the aging water towers not only improves the water distribution but will allow for future expansion of the Ocean City Fire Department Headquarters and approximately 30 additional parking spaces on Worcester Street.
With the paint job complete, Ocean City’s public works department will continue to work with Chicago Bridge and Iron (CB&I) subcontractors to finish site work, including fencing, landscaping and the eventual in-service placement of the tank, once sterilization is complete. Ocean City officials are optimistic that the water tower will not only improve the water distribution but will also add a fun and memorable charm to Ocean City’s downtown horizon.
