New York Water Tanks

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Urban History Notable Potables

January 03, 2011

Beyond the classic and contemporary towering architectural edifices that assure New York its landmark status, like The Empire State Building, The Hearst Building or even the AOL Time Warner Towers, to the discerning eye and lover of built form there are much smaller scale structures that give this megaloposis its own unique urban character. I write of the elevated Water Tanks that dot many of the vintage building roof tops.

 

According to the site http://www.squidoo.com/watertower, there are an estimated 10,000 towers in New York city, of which about one hundred are built or replaced each year. Any building over 6 stories must have a water tower to moderate the water pressure coming from upstate. In Manhattan, 97% of the city's water reaches its destination under the force of gravity, while only 3% requires a pump. The water towers are made from wood because it acts as a better insulator with less corrosion. Water is pumped into the tanks at night. Each tank is built specifically for its location.

New York water tanks are original to the early days of modern city building, yet they remain essential for contemporary urban life. I love how they appear to be relics when they're not. They're timeless. They're quintessential New York!

I wonder what Toronto has to compare?

~ Steven 

***Empire State Building Photo from VirginMedia.com

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