New York’s unique cityscape aesthetic is defined by a blend of beauty, ambition, and practicality. The wooden cylinders that sit atop thousands of buildings are as iconic as the vertical presence of towering skyscrapers. These rooftop water tanks are working, functioning water-delivering systems.
Water tanks first appeared in the mid-19th century, when buildings began rising beyond six stories. The problem it created was that water delivered by the city’s water supply system could only reach about six stories, but the pressure wasn’t strong enough to get to the higher floors. The solution came in the form of the water towers. The system created in the 19th century was beautifully simple. An electric pump pushes water up into the tank, and from there, gravity does all the work—sending it back down into apartments below.
A typical water tank holds up to 10,000 gallons of water and lasts about 30 years. With all the technological advances of the 21st century, these water tanks still provide the best solution. Not only do they do the job, but they’re far more economical than alternatives.
The water tanks are made of cedar, cypress, or redwood. Wood naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes, reducing the risk of cracks or leaks. It also acts as an insulator, keeping water from freezing in winter and relatively cool in summer. The wood is self-sealing. When first filled, the wooden planks swell tightly against steel hoops, creating a watertight seal—no glue or toxic sealants required…