A new water tower in Bowling Green could lead to more than just water flowing onto the Hill.

It could lead to cash, advertising space and increased water pressure.

In a deal with Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, Western is selling one acre of land across the railroad tracks from campus for $50,000. BGMU needs this land to build a water tower to supply better service and more water pressure, said John Osborne, associate vice president of Campus Services and Facilities.

The new tank will supply water to most of campus and to the city limits on Russellville and Morgantown roads and possibly will extend to the Warren County water district.

“We feel it’s a necessary addition to our water system for continued growth and safety,” BGMU employee Doug Kimbler said. “We look at it as an opportunity to strengthen the bond between utilities and the university.”

Kimbler said construction should begin around August or September and would take a year to 14 months to complete.

BGMU has three elevated tanks, holding one million gallons of water each, and a ground level reservoir. The new tower will be considerably larger than the rest, holding two to two and half million gallons.

Kimbler said the tank is needed because Bowling Green has grown and needs the additional water capacity. He said the ideal location for the new tower is within 300 yards of the land bought from Western.

BGMU looked at the water available and number of customers when deciding where to put the tower.

“We have known for some time we would have to put a tank there, at least (in) a couple of years,” he said. “After a study of our system last fall, engineers determined that area is the perfect location.”

Osborne said selling this property is good for both Western and BGMU. He said BGMU is buying property that is not being used and is not a prime development area. It is part of a 9.8 acre tract owned by Western.

The new tower will have Western logos on it, said Bob Edwards, vice president of University Relations.

Edwards said Western is developing designs for the new water tower, and BGMU has presented possibilities as well. He said some proceeds from the sale of the property will be used to paint the design on the tower.

“This is just a nice example of cooperation between local facilities and the university,” Edwards said. “It think it’s an indication of the good relationship with the university, surrounding areas and the residents of Warren County and Bowling Green.”

Reach Jessica Sasseen at [email protected].