Water Tower Construction and Maintenance in Kenya: FAQs

Water towers play a crucial role in Kenya’s infrastructure, serving as vital reservoirs for storing and supplying water to communities, agriculture, and industries. The construction of these towers is instrumental in ensuring access to clean water, promoting sustainability, and mitigating environmental challenges. This article discusses the significance of water tower construction in Kenya, as well as the construction process.

What is a water tower?

A water tower is a tall structure that stores and distributes water to homes and businesses in a community. It’s designed to maintain water pressure by using gravity to push water through pipes. These towers help ensure a steady water supply, especially during high demand or emergencies, and play a crucial role in a town’s water distribution system.

What are the different types of water towers that are used in Kenya?

Water towers come in various types, Each type is chosen based on factors such as terrain, population density, water demand, and available space, ensuring a reliable and efficient water supply for the community’s needs.:

1. Elevated Water Towers

Elevated towers are the most common type. They feature tall structures with reservoirs at the top, utilizing gravity to maintain water pressure in distribution pipes.

2. Ground-Level Water Tanks

These tanks are positioned at ground level and use pumps for water distribution. They’re often preferred in areas where erecting a tower might be impractical.

3. Composite or Pedestal Water Towers

Combining features of both elevated and ground-level designs, these towers place the tank on a pedestal or support structure to optimize water pressure.

4. Spherical or Spheroidal Water Towers

These towers boast a spherical or rounded shape, offering structural strength and efficiency in water storage.

What are the benefits of building water towers in Kenya?

Water towers offer lots of advantages:

Reliable Water Supply: They ensure a consistent water supply, even during adverse climatic conditions, by storing water at elevated points for gravity-fed distribution.
Emergency Reserves: Acting as reserves during periods of high demand or low rainfall, they buffer against water shortages, ensuring continued access to water during emergencies.
Reduced Water Loss: Water towers minimize water losses by preventing leaks and evaporation, thereby enhancing the efficiency of water distribution and preserving resources.
Enhanced Water Quality: These structures safeguard water from contamination, thereby reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and improving overall water quality.

Factors for Choosing Water Tower Locations in Kenya

The following factors are considered when choosing a location for a water tower in Kenya:

Geology: The site must be stable and resistant to erosion.
Soil: The soil must be able to support the weight of the tower and reservoir.
Climate: The site must be in an area with sufficient rainfall to support the water tower.
Accessibility: The site must be easily accessible for construction and maintenance.

What are the different stages of water tower construction in Kenya?

The process of water tower construction in Kenya typically involves the following stages:

Site preparation: The site is cleared and graded, and any necessary excavation is completed.
Foundation construction: A strong foundation is constructed to support the weight of the tower.
Tower erection: The tower is erected using cranes and other heavy machinery.
Reservoir installation: The reservoir is installed at the top of the tower.
Water treatment and distribution: The water is treated and distributed to the community.