Educational Hub
What we’ve learned over 100 years, made accessible to you.
New York City Water Towers: NYC History & Explanation
New York City has a long and storied history. The wealthiest city in America, it’s been a hub for commerce and industrial growth for centuries. On the flip side, it has also been home to some of the most notorious organized crime syndicates.
Something you may not expect, however, is that New York’s wooden water towers are just as iconic as the Empire State Building. But, why?
Read on to learn more about the history of these unique structures.
NYC Cooling Tower Replacement
This action-packed time-lapse shows the Manhattan Cooling Towers crew replacing a cooling tower at a major office building in the Financial District. From assembling the crane to hoisting of the new tower, we take care of the project every step of the way.
New York Times: Inside NYC’s Water Towers
This New York Times mini-documentary investigates how poorly maintained rooftop water towers, which serve as the primary source of drinking water to those living and working in New York City, can present potential health hazards.
Modern Marvels: The History of Water Tanks
Featuring the American Pipe & Tank team, this episode of Modern Marvels explains the history of water tanks and why they continue to serve as the primary source of drinking water and fire protection for buildings in New York City.
The Impact of Coronavirus on NYC’s Drinking Water
Presented during the coronavirus pandemic, Steven Silver discusses the outbreak’s impact on New York City’s drinking water and plumbing systems, as well as measures that owners and managers can take to ensure clean and safe drinking water in their buildings.
NYC Department of Health: Guidance for Reopening Buildings
This memo published by NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene provides guidance for returning building water systems to service after prolonged shutdown. The guidance is intended for building owners, managers, engineers, and superintendents.
Centers for Disease Control: Guidance for Reopening Buildings
In May 2020, the CDC published guidelines with regards to actions that should be taken following a building’s prolonged shutdown or reduced operation. The guidelines are intended to mitigate the risk of health hazards, such as Legionnaries’ disease.