Preliminary preparations are underway for the Bradford City Water Authority to replace the roof on their Airport Road water storage tank in Lafayette Township.

Over the weekend, Water Authority operators have begun lowering water levels in anticipation of authority distribution crews making final water level adjustments today. Contractors will be on site later today and are planning for the actual roof replacement to begin Thursday this week. The entire project is expected to take at least two weeks.

Steve Disney, executive director reported that the roof was damaged several years ago due to ice formations near the top of the tank. Minor repairs were made at that time, however subsequent investigations of the roof indicate its exterior paint and protective coating continue to deteriorate to the point the replacement was deemed necessary to prohibit any additional issues from occurring.

The 111-foot-tall tank has a capacity of 413,000 gallons and was originally installed in 2007. Disney stated that water quality has never been affected due to this damage.

“We’re simply replacing the roof now before it becomes an issue,” he explained.

While the tank is drained and out of service, a full inspection will be performed, the tank will be cleaned on the interior, and a new mixing system will be installed to prevent ice buildups in the future. The new mixer will also enhance water quality by keeping the water mixed and avoiding stratification and aging of the water.

Lafayette Township residents and businesses are advised they may see fluctuating and lower than normal water pressures during this project. Brief water disruptions could occur today and again when the tank is brought back into service. Lafayette Township customers may also experience dirty water during transition phases from source to source and are urged to allow their cold water taps to run until it clears up.

While the tank is out of service, the entire Lafayette service area will be supplemented by a second water storage tank in the area located at Federal Correctional Institute-McKean. Due to this project, the Water Authority has been in advanced communication with local industry and various customers near the site such as FCI-McKean, The Bradford Regional Airport, Hilltop Aviation, National Guard Armory, Pennsylvania State Police, Minard Run Oil and Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Any customer(s) with further questions or any issues are urged to call the Water Authority office at 814-362-3004.