South Haven, Mich. – Residents of this lakeside community have a new reason to celebrate. The town’s historic water tower, a familiar silhouette on the skyline, is currently ranked third in the 2026 People’s Choice Tank of the Year contest run by Tnemec Company, Inc. The competition, now in its 20th year, invites water‑professionals and the public to vote for the most innovative and beloved water storage tanks across the United States.
Why the tower matters to South Haven
“A water tower is often one of the most recognizable landmarks in a community, but behind it is an essential service that helps that community thrive,” said Kevin Morris, Director of Water and Wastewater Sales at Tnemec. “People’s Choice gives communities an opportunity to celebrate their hometown pride and recognize the tanks that have become part of what makes their community home.”
South Haven’s tower, built in the early 20th century, has long served as both a functional piece of infrastructure and a visual anchor for locals and visitors alike. Its recent surge in the national poll reflects a growing appreciation for the blend of utility and heritage that such structures provide.
How the voting works
The contest allows one vote per active email address. Voters cast their ballots online, and the tank with the most votes will be named the 2026 People’s Choice winner on Oct. 19. That winner will then join eleven other finalists in a final round, with the overall Tank of the Year announced on Oct. 23. All finalists will appear in Tnemec’s 2027 water‑tank calendar, and the ultimate winner will be featured in the January issue.
Midwest competition heats up
Several other Michigan towers are also in the running, but South Haven currently leads the state’s entries. The contest’s Midwest field includes towers from Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Notably, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, holds the second‑place spot, while Staunton, Virginia, occupies the top position.
Wisconsin boasts the largest regional presence with 21 nominations, and Iowa follows closely with 26. Smaller states such as North Dakota and South Dakota each have two nominations. The breadth of entries underscores the cultural significance of water towers throughout the heartland.
What this means for the community
For South Haven, the ranking offers more than a moment of bragging rights. It shines a spotlight on the town’s commitment to maintaining essential services while preserving its historic character. Local officials hope the recognition will encourage continued investment in infrastructure and inspire neighboring towns to celebrate their own landmarks.
“We’re proud to see our tower recognized alongside so many great structures,” said a South Haven city spokesperson. “It’s a testament to the hard work of our water department and the pride our residents have in this symbol of our town.”
How to support the tower
Residents and fans of historic water infrastructure can still cast a vote before the Oct. 19 deadline. The official voting page is hosted on Tnemec’s website, where participants can review the full list of nominees and learn more about each tower’s story.
Whether you’re a water‑industry professional, a local historian, or simply a proud South Haven citizen, the People’s Choice Tank contest offers a unique way to celebrate the everyday structures that keep our communities thriving.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
