Sun Valley has a new water tank in operation thanks to funding received from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for water improvement from the Arizona Department of Housing. The project was completed by Southwest Tank and Steel and involved the removal and replacement of the 20,000-gallon tank on the north end of Sun Valley. Holbrook Interim Manager Randy Sullivan stated he can’t recall how long the older tank was in use but that it hadn’t been replaced in the 15 years since he’s been with the city. Sun Valley water has long been a source for complaints for the small community of 93 people. While the water passed the required testing by the Arizona Department of Water Quality for drinkable water, the water has a high salt and other mineral content and a murky brown color. According to Sullivan, the initial testing shows it to be greatly improved and that the new tank has an interior lining to protect the steel from any water components that may cause corrosion. Sullivan also noted that with the new tank, keeping residual water up in the tank is no longer an issue. “We’d have to adjust the south side (water tank) way high to get the residual up on the north side. But now it’s been consistent without having to do that.” The grant paid for $229,423 of the project, and the remaining $7,560 came from the Water Utility Fund, for a total cost of $236,983. The services provided by Southwest Tank and Steel include providing an 18’x12’ water tank with coatings for $185,997, a new tank foundation for $28,000, demolition of existing tank for $6,000, taxes in the amount of $13,485 and payment and performance bond in the amount of $3,502. Sullivan is hopeful that the new tank will improve the water quality for the residents in the small community. Although Sun Valley has never been annexed into the City of Holbrook, city officials voted to take over the Sun Valley Utilities over 15 years ago.
