Story By Kimberly Felker, Photo by Steve Smede
Idaho Falls is a city rich in history, and its skyline tells the story of growth and change. Among the key structures in this narrative are the water towers that have served the city since its early days.
It all began in 1888 with the construction of two water towers, one near the Snake River and the other near today's Museum of Idaho. Filled by a pump from the Snake River, these early towers were vital for filling the steam engines chugging in and out of town.
As the community grew, so did its needs.
By 1937, the demands of the city’s growing population outpaced the aging towers, requiring a new solution. That year, the city unveiled a new water tower built to hold 500,000 gallons of water. It gave residents a pressurized water system and access to a reliable water supply for indoor plumbing. This gleaming silver structure marked a shift in how Idaho Falls used water.
“The existing water tower is an integral part of the city’s water system. Since 1937, the tower has provided consistent, reliable pressure to meet both the daily and emergency needs of the city. To this day, the water pressure provided by the water tower serves as a benchmark for every existing well site within the city,” said Idaho Falls Water Superintendent David Richards, underscoring the tower's importance in providing reliable water access.
For the next six decades, the silver tower faithfully served the community and became a beloved part of the skyline. In 1994, in advance of the nation’s bicentennial celebration, the city held a design competition to refresh the tower’s image. The winning entry—a vibrant red, white, and blue paint scheme—transformed the tower and the city’s greenbelt.
For over 85 years, that tower has been a steadfast presence, representing the resilience and spirit of Idaho Falls. But as the city continued to grow, the aging tower faced its own challenges. Increasing demands on the water system and the need for costly repairs to the tower led city officials to make the difficult decision to replace it.
The new water tower already under construction will hold an impressive 1 million gallons—double the capacity of the old one. This larger tower is crucial for meeting the needs of a growing population and ensuring a reliable pressurized water supply for daily use and emergencies. Without it, the city risks shortages during peak times or crises like fires. Conveniently located next to the Idaho Falls Library, the new tower will support the community’s future growth for decades to come.
While change is necessary, it doesn’t erase the part the current water tower has played in Idaho Falls’ story. The events, memories, and stories of residents are woven into its legacy.
“The founders of this city were forward-thinking,” said Chloe Doucette, The Museum of Idaho Managing Director. “They knew what an incredible resource they had in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquafer, and, even over 100 years ago, they dreamed of setting our city up for growth by building the infrastructure for an “oasis” in the desert. This new water tower will be a celebration of that growth and a testament to the historic vision of what Idaho Falls could be.”
The new tower will certainly make its own mark on the skyline, symbolizing a commitment to progress. As the city evolves, the history of its water towers reminds us of resilience, adaptability and community spirit.