A water tower is an elevated structure[1] supporting a water tank constructed at a height sufficient to pressurize a distribution system for potable water, and to provide emergency storage for fire protection.[2] Water towers often operate in conjunction with underground or surface service reservoirs, which store treated water close to where it will be used.[3] Other types of water towers may only store raw (non-potable) water for fire protection or industrial purposes, and may not necessarily be connected to a public water supply.
Water towers are able to supply water even during power outages, because they rely on hydrostatic pressure produced by elevation of water (due to gravity) to push the water into domestic and industrial water distribution systems; however, they cannot supply the water for a long time without power, because a pump is typically required to refill the tower. A water tower also serves as a reservoir to help with water needs during peak usage times. The water level in the tower typically falls during the peak usage hours of the day, and then a pump fills it back up during the night. This process also keeps the water from freezing in cold weather, since the tower is constantly being drained and refilled.[4]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:0was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "New England Water Supplies – A Brief History, Marcis Kempe, MWRA, NEWWA Journal, September 2006, pages 96-99" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2018.
- ^ Burton, William Kinnimond (14 March 1894). The Water Supply of Towns and the Construction of Waterworks: A Practical Treatise for the Use of Engineers and Students of Engineering. Lockwood. p. 127. Retrieved 14 March 2018 – via Internet Archive.
Waterworks water tower design and location.
- ^ "Why Do We Have Water Towers ? | Henderson Water Utility". Archived from the original on 22 July 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.