The newly constructed water tower in Cawker City, Kansas celebrates the town’s most famous attraction—the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. Built in 2024, the tank’s bulb was carefully painted to mimic the look of the iconic 27,000-pound ball of twine that has brought national attention to this small Kansas community since the 1950s.
Every August, visitors travel from around the country to add twine to the giant ball, making the site a quirky but beloved roadside destination. The water tower now serves as both a piece of critical infrastructure and a larger-than-life symbol of local pride.
Advanced Coating Technology
To ensure the tower’s distinctive design remains vibrant and structurally sound for decades, project leaders specified Tnemec’s Series 700 HydroFlon coating system. This high-performance exterior finish is formulated with LUMIFLON® fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE) resin renowned for its long-term durability, color retention and resistance to weathering.
The coating was applied by Hogan’s Painting & Sandblasting, working under the supervision of engineering firm Schwab Eaton, which oversaw the project. By pairing expert application with advanced coating chemistry, the team ensured that the tower’s intricate design could withstand Kansas’s intense sunlight, seasonal weather shifts, and other environmental stressors.
Benefits of FEVE-Based HydroFlon
The HydroFlon system offers several key advantages for municipal infrastructure:
- Superior UV resistance – Maintains gloss and color stability even under relentless sunlight.
- Protection against chalking, cracking, and peeling – Ensures the painted surface retains its fresh appearance.
- Exceptional corrosion resistance – Guards steel structures against long-term weathering and rust.
These qualities significantly extend the life of the coating, reduce maintenance cycles, and ultimately lower costs for the city. The result is a water tower that not only functions as vital infrastructure but also continues to shine as a recognizable community landmark.
National Recognition
Thanks to its standout design and innovative use of coatings technology, the Cawker City water tower was selected as one of the Top 12 Finalists in Tnemec’s annual Tank of the Year competition. This national contest celebrates the most creative and well-executed water tank designs across the United States. Earning finalist status is no small feat, as the competition attracts dozens of entries ranging from artistic murals to bold architectural statements.
For Cawker City, the honor underscores how a small town can preserve its unique heritage while embracing modern engineering solutions. The twine-themed tower ensures that the quirky, homegrown tradition remains woven into the fabric of the community for generations to come.