Detroit Lakes' Water Tower Named People's Choice Tank of the Year!
The people have spoken and the City of Detroit Lakes is officially Tnemec’s 2026 Tank of the Year People’s Choice Award Winner! This 1.5 MG water tower replaces an almost 40-year-old 1.0 MG tank, both of which used Tnemec coating products formulated to protect and prolong the life of the paint.
Featuring a picturesque sunset, this tower is now a staple of the Detroit Lakes community, seen from Detroit Lake, Highway 10, and various spots around town. The design team worked with a local graphic designer and Detroit Lakes native to capture what makes their town so special. The final design highlights the wooded lakefront, recreation, and breathtaking sunsets.
Construction of this award-winning water tower began with planning in 2021. Now fully operational, the old tower is set to be demolished in 2027. The new tank features improved water pressure for residents while opening up previously undevelopable areas within the Detroit Lakes Public Utilities service area.
Tnemec has hosted the Tank of the Year competition since 2006, drawing people from across the country to cast votes that crown the People’s Choice Award Winner. Tnemec then picks the top 10 finalists and selects their pick for the overall Tank of the Year winner. The winning water towers, along with the finalists and other nominees will be featured in their upcoming calendar.
Congrats to the City of Detroit Lakes for earning the 2026 People’s Choice Award, and a big shout-out to all of those who helped the City create this fan-favorite, including KLM, Viking Industrial Painting, the engineers, the artist, and the construction crews.
Thank you to Tnemec for hosting a contest that really holds water!