This case study explores a unique municipal lighting project developed for the Hawaii Board of Water Supply. The objective was to enhance the visual impact of a large 120-foot-tall water tower, transforming it into a seasonal landmark using dynamic, color-changing illumination.
Water Tower Lighting Design
The featured structure is an 86-foot diameter elevated water tower standing at 120 feet tall. To bring the tower to life at night, four powerful 600W RGBW stadium lights with 30° optics were installed at a mounting height of 17 feet. These high-output fixtures are precisely aimed to wash the vertical support legs and the underbelly of the tank with rich, vibrant color.
Controlled via a DMX system, the RGBW stadium lights are capable of producing millions of color combinations and can be programmed to shift based on season, holiday, or municipal event.
Fixtures: 600W RGBW Stadium Lights
Fixture Count: 4 PCS
Optic: 30-degree beam angle
Mounting Height: 17 feet elevation
Control System: DMX Control for full RGBW color customization
Celebrating in Color: Seasonal Lighting Themes
As demonstrated in the lighting design renders:
- St. Patrick’s Day: A bold green wash envelops the structure for a festive Irish-inspired look.
- Christmas & Winter Holidays: Red, green, and icy blue tones create a joyful, celebratory mood.
- Standard Operation: Cool white tones give the tower a civic, polished appearance during regular operation.
This versatile setup allows the Hawaii Board of Water Supply to use lighting not just for aesthetics but for community engagement – turning functional infrastructure into a symbol of pride.
Results
The installation of four 600W RGBW fixtures achieved spectacular results, dramatically enhancing the nighttime visibility and identity of the water tower. The 30° beam angles deliver focused, vertical illumination with minimal light spill, while the DMX control system allows seamless color transitions and event-based scheduling.
This project showcases the power of modern architectural lighting in municipal applications — combining visual impact, energy efficiency, and long-term reliability.