The City of San Benito began rehabilitation work this week on the Freddy Fender water tower, marking the first phase of a two-tower water infrastructure improvement project across the city. 

The project supports the city’s ongoing commitment to maintaining reliable water systems and ensuring long-term service for residents and businesses. Work on the Freddy Fender water tower is scheduled to begin the week of Jan. 12, 2026, and is expected to be completed by early March. 

Improvements include structural repairs, interior and exterior coating, and aesthetic enhancements such as refreshed paint and updated logo elements. The Freddy Fender tower is one the city’s most recognizable water towers for motorists driving along the interstate through and to San Benito. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to rehabilitate our elevated storage tanks to serve the residents of San Benito for the next twenty years,” said San Benito City Manager Fred Sandoval. “This is another example of the Mayor and City Commission’s ongoing vision and commitment to high-quality water delivery and public service.”

Tanksco Inc. is performing the rehabilitation work, with engineering oversight provided by KLM Engineering Inc.

Once crews complete work on the Freddy Fender water tower and return it to service, the City will begin rehabilitation of the Oscar Williams Road water tower. That phase of the project is expected to continue through early June.

The City of San Benito will provide updates to the community as the project progresses.

These upgrades align with the City’s long-term infrastructure strategy and help ensure safe, dependable water storage for the San Benito community.