These skyline water towers resemble a relic from a forgotten time. At first I didn't even "notice" them, but gradually, you started to realize they are an abundant fixture in the sky scape. The more of them we saw, the more curious we became. When you're on a rooftop bar, they are right in your face, so we asked a guy working the bar to tell us about them. According to him they work like reservoirs to collect rain water--and really not used today. WRONG - don't trust what the bar guy says. Instead, turn to a local historical tour guide and the web to get the true story. Turns out back in 1860 laws were written to provide for these large elevated containers. By having the water supply high up, it provides sufficient water pressure to service the building without the pressure in the city-owned water pipes at ground level having to be so high as to rupture the pipes. All buildings 6 stories high or higher are required to have them. There are 2 companies that provide them in NYC, and both have been in business since 1800's. They have experimented with trying various improvements to tanks (such as plastic etc), but it turns out original way is best way. So for the most part, these are constructed and used just like they have been for past 150 years. As the photos indicate, whether the building is landmark or new & modern; residential or commercial....if over 6 stores high, it houses the rooftop water tower.
