This AWWA welded steel standpipe in Yelm, Washington, delivers 1.5 million gallons of essential water storage (1,500,000 US gallons) with an overall height of 128 feet 6 inches and a 46-foot diameter. Built using 305 US tons of steel with plate thicknesses ranging from 1.5″ to 1/4″, it features a self-supporting umbrella roof, internal mixing system, and minimal external accessories—all designed to provide a smooth, uninterrupted exterior surface ideal for the stunning mural.
Welded steel was the clear choice for this highly visible project. Its superior strength allowed for a tall, slender standpipe design that maximizes capacity on a limited footprint while confidently handling hydrostatic loads and seismic forces common in the region. The field-welded construction enabled remarkably fast erection, minimizing disruption to the community and getting this critical storage online quickly—far sooner than poured-in-place concrete alternatives. With robust protective coatings, this tank is engineered for exceptional longevity, delivering decades of leak-free service with low maintenance demands that steel tanks are known for.
Erected as part of Yelm’s additional water storage initiative, the standpipe’s prominent location makes it easily visible from nearby roads. The mural depicting wooded trees blends the structure seamlessly into the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape, transforming it into a beloved local landmark that’s already drawing admiration and destined to be a point of pride for years to come.
