Standpipes also provided a convenient fixed location to measure flow rates. In the United Kingdom, standpipes consisted of tall, exposed, N-shaped pipes, used for pressure relief and to provide a fixed elevation for steam-driven pumping engines which tended to produce a pulsing flow, while the pressurized water distribution system required constant pressure. Louis and San Francisco Railroad Water Tank (1875, restored 2012), Beaumont, Kansas, USĪlthough the use of elevated water storage tanks has existed since ancient times in various forms, the modern use of water towers for pressurized public water systems developed during the mid-19th century, as steam-pumping became more common, and better pipes that could handle higher pressures were developed. This process also keeps the water from freezing in cold weather, since the tower is constantly being drained and refilled.

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. A water tower also serves as a reservoir to help with water needs during peak usage times.

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. 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 often operate in conjunction with underground or surface service reservoirs, which store treated water close to where it will be used. A water tower in Mondeville, Calvados, FranceĪ water tower is an elevated structure 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.

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