Sunset Hills residents fight to stop plan for giant water tower near backyards

water tower
Photo credit (Getty Images)

SUNSET HILLS, Mo. (KMOX) - The Sunset Hills City Council is tabling a plan to let Missouri American Water build and 1.5 million Gallon water tower behind a row of homes amid new safety concerns.

Resident Angie Weigle is fighting the proposed 110-foot tall tower that would be just 60 feet from some homes. A tank holding the same amount of water exploded recently in California, killing one person.

"They likened it to a tsunami," Weigle says.

Sunset Hill Mayor Pat Fribis says she "doesn't want anyone put in danger," but doesn't want the city drawn into an expensive court battle with Missouri American Water. She says there are thousands of residents in need of better water pressure.

The project was put on hold after learning it would be closer to homes than the Missouri Department of Natural Resources recommends.

"I am very concerned," Weigle says. "This should not be signed off on, it's not safe ... We have space in our basement where our kids play and without warning, even with warning, it would be loss of life."

The city attorney is now reviewing whether the council has the legal right to say no to the water company.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: (Getty Images)