Refurbished water tank on I-29 features MoWest branding

July 20, 2026-A refurbished elevated storage tank on Karnes Road in St. Joseph now reflects the central role Missouri Western State University plays in the community. The Missouri American Water tank was painted in Griffon Gold with a MoWest logo prominently displayed on the west side.

"Adding MoWest's branding to the tank is a meaningful way to demonstrate our support for the University and help foster community pride," said John Hontz, senior manager of Missouri American's Northwest Operations. "A recent inspection identified maintenance needs, which presented an opportunity to complete the painting as part of the same project."

"This recognition is a tremendous point of pride for MoWest and our entire community," said Patt Lilly, interim president. "It reflects the dedication, talent and spirit of the people who call St. Joseph home, while reinforcing the strong connection between MoWest and the region we proudly serve. Celebrating achievements like this helps strengthen community pride and inspires current and future Griffons to make a lasting impact."

The Karnes Tank on Karnes Road was originally constructed in 1970 and holds 750,000 gallons of water. Storage tanks are critical components of a water system as they maintain water pressure, provide storage to meet peak customer demand and help ensure service reliability during emergencies, power outages and maintenance activities. They also support fire protection.

Located adjacent to Interstate 29, the tank is prominently visible and will continue to serve as an essential component of the water system while showcasing the university. Missouri American Water, MoWest and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting for the refurbished tank on July 20.

About Missouri American Water
Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with over 700 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.7 million people.

About MoWest
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.