South Haven has a new landmark.

A one-million-gallon water tank was lifted into place Saturday atop a 160-foot concrete pedestal. Officials say the process took about four hours as crews raised the structure inch by inch.

The tank features a wrap-around mural depicting the South Haven lighthouse, the Lake Michigan shoreline, and seagulls. Officials say it is visible from miles away.

The project is not yet complete. A new lift station is under construction, and crews are installing additional water mains before the tank goes into service. It will serve roughly 5,000 customers in the City of South Haven along with Casco, Covert, and South Haven townships.

Once the new system becomes operational, the city plans to demolish its existing 100-year-old water standpipe.

Image credit: Tom Renn

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