History: Greenwood, Wis. Water Tower Construction (1911)

Contact: janet@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Shanks

----Source: Community Photo Album

A water tower was constructed for the city of Greenwood, Wisconsin during the summer of 1911.  John Shanks was mayor at that time.  The postcard photo above shows the structure during construction, before the top was added.  The pumphouse can be seen at ground level directly beneath the tower.

This picture was included in a collection belonging to Donna Baird Larson and provided to this site by Dolores Zukowski.

The height of the water tower creates pressure for the outflow.  Each foot of elevation provides .43 PSI (pounds per sq. inch).  The tower must be tall enough to supply adequate pressure to all of the recipients and its effect can be increased by constructing it on high ground.  A major advantage of the water tower is realized by providing a constant flow of water, even during peak demands.  When more water is pumped then needed, the excess rises to fill the tank above where it is stored for ready use during increased demand.