How much water does the ypsilanti water tower hold?

Answer 1

250,000 gallons

The stone water tower has been considered a symbol of Ypsilanti for many years. The landmark retains the original design as completed on February 3, 1890, and has been in continuous service since that time. The 147-foot high elevated reservoir contains a steel tank with a 250,000-gallon capacity. The main purpose for the reservoir is to store a reserve supply of water to feed cast iron mains constructed in 1885. The elevation provides sufficient gravity pressure to furnish fire service in emergencies.

In planning the design, Mr. W. R. Coats, construction engineer, considered purpose as well as overall appearance. Resting on a foundation of concrete mortar six inches deep, the substructure walls, made of Joliet stone, are 40 inches thick at the base and 24 inches thick at the top.

Constructed on top of the walls were l0-inch steel I-beams spaced two feet apart and crossing the walls at right angles. The steel reservoir tank rests on the beams and walls of the substructure. Finally, at 147 feet above ground level, there is a cupola with glazed windows.

The total cost of construction was $21,368.

The tower was constructed with local day labor. To Mr. Coats's chagrin, the workers constructed three stone crosses, one over the outside west door and two others inside the tower, to protect them from injury. In fact, there were no fatal accidents during construction.

Posted by Steve Pierce gathered from the history page at http://www.ycua.org