When the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians needed to rejuvenate their failing water storage infrastructure, they worked with the Indian Health Service’s engineers to devise the best possible plan. The existing 100,000 gallon single pedestal elevated water storage tank along with the existing 50,000 gallon single pedestal elevated water storage tank had long been in disrepair; and it was time to replace them.
The decision was clear: they chose to construct a new 200,000 gallon pedestal elevated water storage tank. Sensitive to the environment of tribal lands, all contractors took careful consideration for each aspect of tank construction. They exercised great care to minimize any disturbance or impacts to the land.
The new 200,000 gallon Pedesphere-style tank with a 119’-0 top capacity line and 28’-3 head range stands tall, welcoming visitors who enter the Bad River Lodge and Casino from afternoon to evening for fun and entertainment. Accommodating the needs of the Bad River Casino, Tribal Lodge, Community Health Center, and the members of the reservation, the new tower provides crucial water pressure and storage. Additionally, Caldwell installed a mechanical tank mixing system in the tank to promote water quality and mitigate ice formation during the cold winter months.
The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians crest is prominently displayed on the tank shell; a feature we protected with a high-quality fluoropolymer polyurethane finish, designed to retain the beautiful logo’s gloss and color for years to come. Once Caldwell constructed the new tank and placed it into service, it was time to demolish the two existing tanks and recycle the steel plate.
Notably, the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians is a federally recognized tribe of Ojibwe people. Located on the south shore of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin, the Bad River Reservation has approximately 7,000 members; about 1,800 of these members live on the reservation.
