New Monroe Water Tank Has Unique Look

Federal aviation regulations require special markings on the 172-foot tall structure.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:03am

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An extremely blurred and abstracted photograph showing the faint outline of a tall water tower structure against a warm, glowing sky, captured in a soft, dreamy style that evokes a sense of the tower's place within the larger community landscape.The new Monroe water tower's unique appearance is the result of federal aviation regulations requiring special markings to ensure safety for low-flying aircraft.Monroe Today

Monroe city officials have unveiled a new water storage tank on Cherry Hill Road that has a unique appearance compared to previous tanks in the area. The specifics of the paint scheme were determined after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted an aeronautical study and required the tank to be marked and lighted in accordance with federal regulations for tall structures. This is the first new water tank constructed in Monroe in many years, standing 172.6 feet tall with a 50-foot diameter and a 500,000-gallon capacity.

Why it matters

Water infrastructure is critical for any growing community, and the new tank will help meet increased demand in Monroe. However, the FAA regulations on tall structures like this tank are in place to ensure aviation safety, which can impact the final design and appearance of such public works projects.

The details

The new water tank on Cherry Hill Road has a unique paint scheme and lighting compared to previous tanks in Monroe. This is because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted an aeronautical study and determined the tank needed to be marked and lighted according to federal regulations for tall structures under their jurisdiction. The tank stands 172.6 feet tall with a 50-foot diameter and a 500,000-gallon capacity, making it the first new water tank built in Monroe in many years.

  • The new water tank was recently constructed in 2026.

The players

City of Monroe

The local government entity responsible for the construction and operation of the new water tank.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The federal agency that conducted an aeronautical study and determined the required markings and lighting for the new water tank to ensure aviation safety.

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The takeaway

This new water infrastructure project in Monroe highlights how even seemingly routine public works can be impacted by federal regulations, in this case aviation safety rules that require special design considerations for tall structures. The unique appearance of the new tank is a visible reminder of the complex factors that go into modern municipal planning and development.