New York City steam system

Steam vapor visible above the buildings on William Street between Maiden Lane and Liberty Street in New York City in the early 20th century.
Steam vapor being vented through a typical Con Edison orange and white stack on Seventh Avenue at 20th Street

The New York City steam system includes Con Edison's Steam Operations, which provides steam to large parts of Manhattan. Other smaller systems provide steam to New York University and Columbia University, and many individual buildings in New York City also have their own steam systems. The steam is used to heat and cool buildings and for cleaning and disinfecting. It is the largest such system in the world and has been in operation since 1882.