Edwardsville Water Tower Lights Off for Dark Sky Week

The Leclaire water tower will go dark to raise awareness about light pollution.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:11am

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A hazy, dreamlike photograph of the shadowy outline of a water tower at night, with the surrounding landscape and sky blurred into abstract patterns of warm, glowing light.The temporary dark of Edwardsville's water tower shines a light on the need to reduce light pollution and protect the natural nighttime environment.Edwardsville Today

The city of Edwardsville, Illinois will turn off the lights on the Leclaire water tower from April 13 to April 21 to observe International Dark Sky Week, a global effort to educate people about the negative impacts of light pollution on the environment and wildlife.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing light pollution, which can disrupt natural ecosystems and negatively impact human health. By turning off the water tower lights, Edwardsville is joining a broader movement to promote better nighttime lighting practices and protect the natural nighttime environment.

The details

The lights on the Leclaire water tower, located at the intersection of Longfellow Avenue and Troy Road, will be turned off from the evening of April 13 through the morning of April 21. This action was requested by Ward 6 Alderwoman Jennifer Warren in response to concerns from residents in her ward.

  • The lights on the Leclaire water tower will be turned off from the evening of April 13 through the morning of April 21.

The players

Jennifer Warren

Ward 6 Alderwoman in Edwardsville, Illinois who initiated the water tower lights being turned off for International Dark Sky Week.

Dark Sky International

A global nonprofit organization that works to educate and advocate for the nighttime environment and wildlife ecosystems that rely on it.

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The takeaway

By turning off the Leclaire water tower lights, Edwardsville is taking a visible step to support the goals of International Dark Sky Week and raise awareness about the importance of reducing light pollution in local communities.