Say Goodbye to the Water Tower at 74th & Genoa in Lubbock, Texas!

Hey, Lubbock! If you’ve ever driven past 74th Street and Genoa Avenue, you’ve probably seen the towering structure that’s been part of the Lubbock skyline for years. Well, come Monday, February 10, Trifecta Services Company is bringing it down, and if you commute through that area, you might want to plan ahead!

What’s Happening?

Demolition starts Monday, and with it comes traffic detours and possible delays. City officials are encouraging drivers to avoid the area if possible or at least use extreme caution when passing through. The whole project is expected to take until June 2025, so buckle up for a few months of reroutes.

What Does a Water Tower Actually Do?

Okay, so we see water towers all over the place, but have you ever wondered what they actually do? No, they’re not just big, abandoned UFO landing pads.

Water towers store and pressurize water to ensure we have a steady supply flowing into our homes and businesses. Here’s how it works:

1. Water is pumped up into the tower from underground sources, like wells or reservoirs.
2. The tower stores the water, usually several hundred thousand gallons at a time.
3. Gravity creates water pressure, allowing water to flow down through pipes to homes, businesses, and fire hydrants.
4. It keeps pressure consistent, so when you turn on your sink or shower, water flows smoothly instead of dribbling out like a sad garden hose.

Since water towers use gravity to create pressure, they don’t rely on electricity to function—so even during power outages, they help keep the water flowing. Genius!

Why Is This One Coming Down?

While this particular tower has done its job for years, aging infrastructure, changing water needs, and new technology mean it’s time to retire it. The city will likely replace it with a more modern system that fits current demands.

So, while you may not think twice about water towers, they play a huge role in making sure we can take showers, water our lawns, and fight fires. And if you’re in the 74th & Genoa area, just remember—Monday marks the beginning of the end for this Lubbock landmark!

Here's a great educational video with more on how a water tower actually functions: