Dehumidification & Power Solutions for Water Tower Maintenance

When contractors take on critical infrastructure projects such as municipal water tower maintenance, controlling environmental conditions is just as important as skilled workmanship. For blasting and coating jobs in particular, improper humidity levels can result in flash rusting, poor adhesion, and costly delays.

That’s why an industrial painting contractor in Illinois partnered with Garrett McKenzie to deliver continuous 24/7 dehumidification and temporary power during a recent 500,000-gallon water tower maintenance project.

The Situation

During the hot and humid Illinois summer, a municipal district in Des Plaines began interior blasting and coating work on a water tower.

The contractor knew that uncontrolled humidity inside the tank would lead to flash rusting and compromise the coating process.

The challenge was clear:

• Maintain low humidity levels 24/7
• Protect blasting and coating integrity
• Provide reliable temporary power (no site power was available)
• Deliver a solution that kept the project on schedule

The Response

Garrett McKenzie worked closely with the contractor to measure the tank volume and determine the precise CFM required for effective humidity control.

A 2,250 CFM desiccant dehumidifier was delivered to the job site, paired with a 56kW generator to provide dedicated power.

To ensure optimal performance, our field team customized the setup:

• The dehumidifier was fitted with a reduction flange and ducting to direct dry air into the tower interior
• A rollback truck and on-site forklift positioned the equipment safely and efficiently
• Experienced technicians handled installation, monitoring, and breakdown at project completion

The Execution

For four weeks, the Garrett McKenzie equipment package delivered consistent, stable humidity control inside the water tower.

This continuous dry air environment allowed blasting and coating crews to work confidently, without the risk of flash rusting or rework.

By pairing dehumidification with a reliable power package, we eliminated the need for multiple vendors and streamlined the contractor’s workflow. Our all-in-one solution meant less coordination, fewer delays, and complete peace of mind on site.

The Result

The project finished on schedule, with blasting and coating completed successfully under ideal conditions.

Thanks to Garrett McKenzie’s dehumidification and power solutions, the municipal water tower was restored without costly delays or coating failures.

This case reinforces our role as a trusted partner for industrial contractors who need environmental control to keep critical projects moving forward.

Why Contractors Choose Garrett McKenzie

• Temporary Power Solutions: Generators up to 2,000kW, full power distribution, ATS, transformers, portable fuel tanks
• Climate Control: Desiccant & LGR dehumidifiers, temporary heating, AC cooling, DX heating units
• Installation & Support: Customized site layouts, proper sizing, setup, and experienced on-site technicians
• Logistics: Transport-ready fleet with rollback trucks, forklifts, and nationwide crane truck deployment

Our commercial-industrial expertise means we understand the unique needs of contractors working on infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, and other high-stakes projects. Whether a planned maintenance job or an urgent response, Garrett McKenzie is ready to roll heavy and deliver results.

Partner With Garrett McKenzie

When schedules are tight and conditions are unpredictable, Garrett McKenzie provides the temporary climate control and power solutions contractors need to keep projects on track.

👉 Contact us today at 877-469-1600 or rentals@garrettmckenzie.com.

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