Does New York City Have Water Towers?
New York City is a metropolis of towering skyscrapers and historic buildings. Among the unique features of its urban landscape are the ubiquitous water towers that grace the rooftops of many multistory structures. These structures play a vital role in the city's water distribution system, especially in taller buildings. While many modern buildings can rely on city water pressure to reach all floors, older and taller buildings still depend on water towers for reliable access to water.
Water Towers in Late 19th and Early 20th Century High-Rises
One of the oldest apartment buildings in Manhattan, where I currently reside, is barely small enough to avoid requiring a roof-mounted water tank. The reason for this is practical—taller buildings often need tanks and pumps to ensure consistent water supply. Even today, buildings that don't require a tank and pumps save on costs. However, this doesn't apply to the numerous skyscrapers where the water tanks are built into the design and are hidden behind the building walls.
Modern Skyscrapers and Secret Water Tanks
Skyscrapers, including those in New York City, often concealed their water tanks behind the walls. These tanks are typically located on the uppermost floors, ensuring that the water supply remains constant. While the tanks themselves are hidden, the state of the tanks is less than ideal given their age and the lack of maintenance. Some have even rusted, leading to concerns about the quality and safety of the water supply for building occupants.
Safety and Maintenance Concerns
Water distribution in Manhattan has been a complex issue for over a century. The city relies on a massive system of aqueducts that bring water from as far as 70 miles away in the north. Due to the large size of the buildings in Manhattan, water meters were not originally used, and buildings were charged based on their size. The primary challenge in this system is that the water pressure in the main pipes does not extend beyond the sixth floor. To overcome this, water is pumped up to the roof tanks and stored there, ensuring a steady supply to the occupants.
Building and Materials
Most of the water tanks in Manhattan are made of wood. After construction, the wood swells to create a tight seal, preventing water leaks. In contrast, metal tanks can corrode or be damaged, and they are less resilient to cold temperatures, which can cause the water to freeze. While steel tanks last longer and are more durable, they are considerably more expensive and challenging to install.
Iconic Water Towers in Manhattan
SgetNumeralIconic water towers can be found in various parts of New York City, particularly in the outer boroughs. However, within Manhattan, water towers are relatively rare. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to spot only one within the borough. Even friends who have taken photos of these towers have only managed to capture a few. One such iconic tower can be seen in the image below, which serves a single building and is not a Photoshop creation.
Historical Context and Necessity
When I was younger, on a Circle Line cruise in the 1970s, the tour guides pointed out water towers in northern Manhattan. They explained that every building over six stories tall had its own water tower, and each tower served a single building. This system ensures that even in the absence of pumps, water can still be distributed to the upper floors, preserving the continuity of the water supply.
Main Issues and Solutions
The primary issue with relying on the water distribution system is the lack of sufficient pressure to force water beyond the sixth floor in the main pipes. This problem has been ongoing for over a century, and it is a significant challenge for the city. To address this, buildings with six or more floors need to have separate water systems with water towers to ensure reliable access to water for their occupants.
Conclusion
Water towers remain a crucial component of New York City's infrastructure, especially in older and taller buildings. While modern skyscrapers often have hidden tanks, the necessity of water towers in larger buildings cannot be overstated. The wooden tanks, though prone to wear and tear, continue to serve as essential stabilizers for the city's water supply, ensuring that even in times of emergencies, the residents have access to water.
As New York City continues to grow and evolve, the importance of these structures will remain a constant, a reminder of the city's architectural and engineering history.