Securing Public Infrastructure: Chain Link and Barbed Wire Installation at the Lexington Water Tower
Securing Public Infrastructure: Chain Link and Barbed Wire Installation at the Lexington Water Tower
The Project
The Lexington water tower sits on a freshly graded lot with a gravel service road running through the interior of the fenced perimeter. Our installation included:
- Galvanized chain link fencing running the full perimeter of the water tower site
- 3-strand barbed wire along the top of the fence line for added security
- Double swing gates providing vehicle access to the gravel service drive
- Concrete-set posts throughout to handle the tension load of both the chain link and barbed wire
- Proper grading accommodation — the fence follows the natural grade of the freshly disturbed soil around the base of the tower
The combination of chain link and barbed wire is the industry standard for securing utility and municipal infrastructure, and it's easy to see why — it's cost-effective, highly visible as a deterrent, and extremely difficult to breach without detection.
Why Chain Link with Barbed Wire for Utility Sites?
Municipal and utility properties like water towers, electrical substations, and pump stations have specific security needs that are different from a typical commercial fence job. The goal isn't just to mark a boundary — it's to actively deter unauthorized access to infrastructure that serves an entire community.
Barbed Wire as a Deterrent The three strands of barbed wire running along the top of this fence send a clear message: this is a restricted area. For utility sites, that visual deterrent alone prevents the vast majority of unauthorized entry attempts. It also satisfies most municipal and utility security requirements for infrastructure protection.
Galvanized Steel for Longevity Unlike vinyl-coated chain link, which is chosen partly for aesthetics, galvanized chain link is the right call for utility sites where function is the priority. The hot-dip galvanizing process coats the steel in zinc, providing excellent rust and corrosion resistance that holds up for decades with zero maintenance — even in the wet Tennessee clay soil common to this part of the state.
Gate Access for Service Vehicles The double swing gates on the gravel service drive are wide enough to accommodate maintenance vehicles and equipment while keeping the site locked down between service visits. Proper gate hardware and concrete-set hinge posts ensure the gates swing cleanly and latch securely for the long term.
Installation Considerations on a Freshly Graded Site
One of the unique challenges of this project was working on a site that had recently been graded and disturbed. Fresh fill dirt and clay soil that hasn't had time to settle creates specific challenges for post installation.
Post Depth On disturbed or freshly graded soil, posts need to be set deeper than they would on undisturbed ground to reach stable soil below the fill layer. Cutting corners on post depth on a site like this leads to leaning and shifting as the ground settles over time.
Barbed Wire Tension Barbed wire adds significant upward and outward tension to the top of the fence posts. Every post on a barbed wire installation needs to be set and braced to handle that additional load — especially corner posts and gate posts where the tension forces are greatest.
Drainage Freshly graded sites often have drainage patterns that haven't fully established yet. We position posts and grade the fence line to allow water to move freely underneath rather than pool against the posts, which protects the concrete footings and extends the life of the installation.
The Bigger Picture: Fencing Public Infrastructure
Water towers, lift stations, electrical equipment, and other municipal assets represent significant public investment. Proper perimeter fencing isn't just a formality — it's a legal liability issue, a safety issue, and a maintenance issue all in one. A well-installed chain link and barbed wire fence keeps unauthorized people out, reduces the risk of vandalism or tampering, and gives the municipality documentation that reasonable security measures are in place.
We work with cities, utility districts, and municipalities throughout West Tennessee and take pride in delivering installations that protect the infrastructure our communities depend on.
Free Consultations and Warranty
At Westenn Fence, we have over 50 years of combined experience installing and maintaining chain link, barbed wire, and security fencing for municipal, commercial, and residential properties across West Tennessee. We offer free consultations and competitive pricing to help you find the perfect fence for your property. Whether you're securing a utility site or need advice on the right materials for your project, give us a call at (731) 668-5959 for your next fence installation in Jackson, TN.
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