Idaho Falls Unveils New Million-Gallon Water Tower

The modern structure features heating, ventilation, and color-changing lighting capabilities.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The city of Idaho Falls has unveiled a new water tower that can hold 1 million gallons of water, double the capacity of the old tower. The modern structure includes heating, ventilation, and color-changing lighting capabilities that can illuminate the city skyline in various colors. Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw gave a tour of the tower, challenging a reporter to a race up the 160 steps to the top.

Why it matters

The new water tower is designed to support the city's growth and provide enhanced functionality compared to the previous tower. The color-changing lighting feature also allows the tower to serve as a visual landmark and source of civic pride for the community.

The details

The new Idaho Falls water tower holds 1 million gallons of water, double the capacity of the old tower. It was built to support the city's growth and includes features like heating, ventilation, and color-changing lighting that can illuminate the skyline in various colors. Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw gave a tour of the tower, challenging a reporter to a race up the 160 steps to the top.

  • The new water tower has been in operation for just over a month.
  • Mayor Burtenshaw and the reporter raced to the top of the 160-step tower during the tour.

The players

Lisa Burtenshaw

The mayor of Idaho Falls who gave a tour of the new water tower and challenged a reporter to a race to the top.

Nate Eaton

A reporter for EastIdahoNews.com who accepted Mayor Burtenshaw's challenge to race to the top of the water tower.

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What they’re saying

“The new Idaho Falls water tower has been quietly doing its job for just over a month, but hardly anyone has seen inside the structure – until now.”

— Nate Eaton, Reporter (EastIdahoNews.com)

The takeaway

The new million-gallon water tower in Idaho Falls represents the city's commitment to infrastructure investment and growth, while also serving as a visually striking landmark with its color-changing lighting capabilities.