Why New York City Still Uses Wooden Water Towers - Cheddar Explains

When you look across the New York City skyline, you might notice the thousands of wooden water towers that line the tops of the buildings. Cheddar Explains why there are so many water tanks and why they are still wooden.
Further reading:
NYC.gov
www.nyc.gov/html/nycwater/html...
Smithsonian
www.smithsonianmag.com/histor...
NYTimes
www.nytimes.com/2018/05/26/re...
WSJ
www.wsj.com/articles/the-maes...
Special thanks to Henry Rosenwach
www.rosenwachtank.com/
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[@jimlawton4184]

"It would be sad to see water towers leave the skyline"-says the owner of the water tower company

[@jofaj]

was thinking the same :D

[@campkira]

i hidden most water tank in my build.... wood....? why would you?

[@Eza_yuta]

Yes he will be so so sad indeed.. ..as he going bankrupt if it's happen.

[@King_of_Africa]

I hope he's smart enough to also supply the towers in other material. It's inevitable a another company will find a way to come to close to his company price point while also using some other reliable material.

[@dperry19661]

@@King_of_Africa Wood is the most used buliding material because of price. And the 30-year lifespan gives you plenty of time to grow replacement wood. Plus it gives coopers a job.

[@jeremiahponce7237]

because they’re cheaper than metal ones. there, saved you 5 minutes

[@jamiejenkins8836]

Jeremiah Ponce thanks, can’t believe I almost watched a video from cheddar but I didn’t think it could be that obvious

[@hamitaur1505]

But plastic ones are way cheaper than wood so... ?

[@hamitaur1505]

@Eboy Warrior thats correct BUT the solution is just a cheap umbrella to prevent the plastic reservoir getting hot...or even a dome...if you have multiple ones

[@magsteel9891]

Hami Taur an umbrella on the roof of a skyscraper would not work out too well. As for building a dome so you could save money by using plastic, well, sounds like you won't be saving anything in the end. And now you need to maintain the dome too.

[@michelfeinstein]

Those cancerous particles are neglectable, if they were truly harmful, Brazil will be skyrocketing with cancer, as here we use plastic water tank for the majority of the population.

[@kenneychappuis1853]

One big point you missed is wooden tanks are assembled on the rooftop. The materials are brought up in elevators or smaller cranes. Steel tanks require much bigger cranes and with that much higher city permit cost.

[@mb-3faze]

Clearly NY is not an earthquake hotspot! As a resident of California, just the visual of a massive tank full of water balanced on top of a frame hundreds of feet up is enough to induce anxiety!

[@philhoward4466]

so what do they do in California ?

[@earlwheelock7844]

@@philhoward4466 thats easy, they build pressure resivors up on a nearby mountain or high hill and pipe it down to the city, New York is a little short of mountains and hills high enough to produce the required pressure !!!!.

[@isaac198428]

Of course if I’m making money from selling wooden water tanks, I’d say they are the best thing since sliced break as well. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gamingphone7201]

Exactly lol, this guys is making BANK of idiots not realizing hes ripping them off

[@schwig44]

@@gamingphone7201 That is how all of capitalism works

[@gamingphone7201]

@@schwig44 uhhhh, no?

[@schwig44]

@@gamingphone7201 uhh, yeah. Capitalism as a whole system relies on people being willing to spend more of their money than their time. Those are called customers. For a business to remain open there has to be more money coming in than going out. That means you are selling your products above cost, and thus ripping people off. Some businesses are worse than others, but it's still all a spectrum of shittiness. It's really up to the individual to decide where the window of 'acceptable' prices are per product along the spectrum, whether the item is a wooden tower tank or a jug of milk or a new car or a cheeseburger

[@gamingphone7201]

@@schwig44 selling something above cost does not equate to ripping someone off. Theres a difference between a business doing what it needs to and an unethical business selling people shit and portraying it as a good product. Capitalism ISNT this, it just happens to be an unfortunate side effect of it.

[@Petr75661]

You neglected to mention that many of them are actually NOT inspected and filthy.

[@gamefreak974]

My homies apartment have straight up flakes in the water

[@Sp1n1985]

Wait you saying there's a business opportunity?

[@dylanhaynes5589]

Did anybody ask

[@soulife8383]

They found a dead body in one, but Hodgins found trace elements on the phalange and then Bones knew he bowled due to the metacarpals so Booth arrested the bad guy.. Daisy helped and was so happy that she banged Lance in a closet at the Jeffersonian. True story. Lance died tho, he got shot and died in Booth's arms. Sad

[@jdredman]

That would be a different video. There is one that I saw recently.

[@Dr.HouseMD]

I thought it was because comic books deemed it so.

[@yaphace]

Underrated

[@cheddar]

Oh yeah. That too.

[@kymmzej9173]

Every time I see one, I immediately think of Spider-Man 2 when Peter fell off the building and hurt his back.

[@borisberlin9215]

yeah me to me To

[@udipta21]

This makes sense

[@davidquirk9791]

New York still has a steam grid in parts of the city supplying steam as an energy supply like electricity or gas. It doesn't surprise me that it still has 19th century wooden water tanks.

[@couriersix8294]

the steam is actually heating not power its old but works pretty well

[@erwinlommer197]

Google district heating. It is a working system and actually very efficient and environmentally friendly. However, I do not know the specifics of the New York.

[@BloodSweatandGears]

@@couriersix8294 -Actually both. Electricty is created by the steam, the steam coming off the turbines is used for the heating.

[@whuzzzup]

District heating is actually a good idea. Germany for example is trying to vastly expand it.

[@anthonymisell8845]

When I was doing my Plumbing apprenticeship in the 1960's in Melbourne Australia the authorities were fasing out water tanks on buildings throughout the city, they were mainly used in buildings to flush the toilets if the water supply was temporarily cut off, but as the water supply got better and pumps got better, the tanks were done away with.

[@Samqdf]

While watching this video I was wondering the whole time "well how does every other city do it?", any idea on the answer of that one? Also do you remember if they used to fit a separate pressure regulator to each floor at the time? Just curious.

[@larsvd5354]

@@Samqdf simple, all lines are pressurized and when there is flow the pump starts running. I have my own water well and I use this system. A €100 pressure controller switches the pump on and off. You might loose a bit of efficiency if the pump is running, requiring full power, when only 1 person is filling a glass of water. Its more energry efficient to pump 5 min every hour and fill a roof water tower but the cost of the tower would be more than that of the electricity.

[@lucretius8050]

@@Samqdf Many countries still have metal tanks on top, it adds resilience if water supply gets cut.

[@daviddelprince1059]

@@lucretius8050 wish i had one for rain water for my garden

[@LeeDaiYing]

Took resilience away.

[@anne.andromeda]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="305">5:05</a> Translation: Yeah, I literally make living from them, so as long as you belive they are special I don't need to worry about money

[@ZMW7]

*blinks*

[@off_mah_lawn2074]

Alright lets see your family business last 5 generations

[@rukianur8640]

@@off_mah_lawn2074 hope he sees this bro 😔🤙

[@temistogen]

@@off_mah_lawn2074 this guy is fishy.As if he has a monopoly over the business.

[@Alex632]

@@temistogen now is not the time for your shitty conspiracy theories.

[@RichardWolfVI]

So about these tanks at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="203">3:23</a> they say that “many are older than 30 years”, but in <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="233">3:53</a> a tank “needs to be replaced every 30 to 35 years”. I’m surprised this was not addressed.

[@sarowie]

I think that is called "marketing" of the tank company. Replacing the tank is more business then maintaining it. By claiming that most of the tanks need to be replaced within this decade, he increases demands and thus allows him to raise prices. Sure wood does not last for ever - but a tank manufacturer will recommend you to replace it rather sooner then later.

[@jacobtb1]

"It's important that they are unpainted to prevent from tainting the water" - cuts to vandalized water tower covered in spray paint

[@brentmorris262]

That's like asking why if roofing companies tell you that shingles last 20-25 years, why do so many people leave them on for 30 or more? It's really simple. If the inspection doesn't show any problems, then why replace something that's still working?

[@delcat8168]

@@jacobtb1 D'uh...The water is on the inside.

[@wasabikawasaki4769]

jacobtb1 video editors are funny people they always catch bs and throw it into the video

[@albertbatfinder5240]

Whenever I see any unusual endemic infrastructure I always wonder “Why only here?” And this video didn’t answer that question. So, they’re good, and cheap, and provide insulation. There are millions of candidate buildings around the world. Why only New York?

[@davidschick6951]

Because crud from the wood leaches into the water and makes the water unsafe to drink. Of course, unless tenants want to lug cases of bottled water up stairs every grocery run, they will drink what is killing them.

[@bagnome]

It's probably a number of reasons. It could be the logistics of installing the tanks. I saw someone comment that it's generally easier and cheaper to install a wooden tank versus a metal one since the wooden ones are built on site. The materials can be sent up an elevator where a metal tank might need a large crane with expensive permits. It could also be that the wooden water tower industry is well established in NYC. I also wonder if you'll find wooden water towers to the same extent in a city like Chicago since it's comparable to NYC. In Small Town, USA a large tower is already going to have to be erected and the assembled tank lifted to the top by a large crane regardless, so you no longer have the advantage of cheaper installation. And for the same reason a small town may want to replace the tower as infrequently as possible. Of course, I'm no expert. Just some guy who makes observations on the internet. So, I could be completely wrong.

[@roberttomsiii3728]

Answer starts at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="200">3:20</a> ends by <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="227">3:47</a> In short wood is cheaper to use.

[@jacobstaten2366]

"It would be sad for the tanks to go." Says the guy who makes money off of them. Lol

[@jacobstaten2366]

@Revenant I'm not faulting him. I just thought it was funny. Self preservation is a good thing.

[@punker4Real]

it's good for the trees when you use steel or plastic

[@jacobstaten2366]

@@punker4Real eh, just plant more.

[@machia0705]

Yeah. His company would fold then you dummy.

[@jacobstaten2366]

@@machia0705 see the other comments above.

[@wfjhDUI]

This video didn't answer the question at all. Obviously wooden water towers supply water but the question is why does New York use wooden water towers while most other cities don't?

[@xtrashocking]

it did basically answer that; metal tanks are expensive and y'all already know how that be

[@wfjhDUI]

@@xtrashocking Huh? Is New York particularly impoverished compared to other cities?

[@timschulz9563]

@@xtrashocking We don't need water towers at all.

[@tenow]

Normal cities have pumps. Only NY water towers, steam piping, garbage bags everywhere on the streets and other crazy shit

[@Daedhart]

@@tenow But...but...what about all those I

[@ElmerFWasHere]

Them: Wooden tanks must not be painted *proceeds unto showing painted tanks*

[@davidsmith7124]

Only externally on steel tanks to prevent corrosion. The inside would be unpainted. But with wood being porous, the outside probably can't be painted.

[@DBT1007]

@hhhk20 graffiti tank also painted tank

[@kriss782]

@hhhk20 5:27

[@WootTootZoot]

"Inspected annually" ROTFLMAO !!!!!

[@nycdweller]

Big fines if they are not inspected

[@fempi]

Coming from Germany this seems so akward. Of course in Germany there are far less high buildings but most of them have pump systems spread across their height in order to supply a water pressure that is high enough in every single floor. The only kind of water tank in German buildings that I am aware of are for storing heated water. (Edited)

[@fish3977]

these use pump too as said, it is just that if you move the water at the highest floor, you don't need to start pumping every time someone opens their faucet and some running water will still be accesible even without electricity. I am pretty sure myself that even german high rises have something like that be it spread on per appartment level or something else

[@deniz_dee]

I've also seen fiberglass/polyester being an option for cold water and don't like how they weren't even presented as an option.

[@lucianodeon727]

@@deniz_dee they construct with wood and they use the imperial system, that is why, they like to be different

[@Dim.g0v]

@@lucianodeon727 Yes NY City speaks for the whole country and Americans are the only people who make wooden water towers/use the imperial system.

[@meme-lu2yu]

cOmInG fRoM (insert country) I FiNd tHiS (awkward/weird/odd)

[@luccianodfs6711]

In my country Perú, we use plastic 3-4 layer water tanks ranging from 750-2500 liters they cost $100-300 new and last 30 years to lifetime. 60k for a wooden tower that last 30 years max is just a scam.

[@hihaveaniceday9386]

What country

[@donnk]

plastic leeches into water and causes cancer.

[@ijuwan17]

YS that is only if you use non food grade plastic that contains BPA

[@Gautier-cw9bu]

@@ijuwan17 almost all plastic products, including those advertised as "BPA free", have been found to leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals, because bpa is only one of the hundreds of endocrine disruptors found in plastic. That's ok if the water doesn't stay too long in the plastic container, so you can drink water from plastic bottles, but if it stays longer, it can be dangerous

[@ijuwan17]

42 so your not okay with small amount of endocrine-disrupting chemicals leaching into water but fine with high level of bacteria growth and for those tanks with graffiti, paint chemicals leaching into the water? Plastics are not the end all and be all of materials... and we are today over reliant on it and should try to reduce using it but.. you gotta admit that in this (water tank) application, the use of plastic is the most logical choice to make since wooden tanks actually pose higher health concerns and the fact that they needed to be replaced every few decades means a lot of trees have to be cut down! I found it funny how plastic tanks are avoided as if they are poison but people are fine with using plastics for the rest of the water system 🧐 even metal pipes have plastic coating on the inside in order to prevent metal poisoning and corrosion. If plastics are sooo dangerous wouldn’t peoples like in Europe, Asia & other parts that have long adopted plastic tanks have higher case of cancer and hormone imbalance compared to Americans with their “healthier” choices??? Instead of using their profit to fund R&D towards better materials, that Water tank tycoon decided to use fear mongering tactics and Americans are all to ready to believe since everything made in America is good and anything else is evil right 😒

[@crowonthepowerlines]

This is so poorly researched it feels like promotional material...

[@MikelOvalle]

Exactly. Most of this tanks are not even used for domestic water. Instead the are used as stored water for the fire suppression systems like sprinklers and standpipes. Im surprised this was not the focus of this video.

[@marks.8757]

@@MikelOvalle You are 100% correct.

[@mattdathew2794]

it's a fair amount of research, i liked it

[@Shaun.Stephens]

@John Patriot eagle freedom boner Yep - and the owner said that his ancestor bought a "wine barrel company". He doesn't even know that they're called cooperage companies! Wine barrels wouldn't be big enough...

[@user-vi4xy1jw7e]

@@MikelOvalle they're still used for domestic use

[@Nulono]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="242">4:02</a> How much less frequently?

[@kingsofserbiangameplay1623]

Is it just me or this is only an American thing?

[@UnexpectedBooks]

In a city like New York, it’s too expensive to use a stand-alone structure as a water tower. Better to put yet another high rise building there and pop the water tower on top of it. In the other 90+% of the country, there are dedicated water tower structures (usually a giant metal tank atop ~40 meter legs).

[@muzzthegreat]

Anywhere-else they build a long-lived tank into the top of the building near the Lfit-motor ; An example is tanks made from Galvanized steel-sheet and bolted together on-site - they are standard, they are cheap and they are long-lived. This is just another case of American inertia - like inches - and the company probably lobbys municipal authorities successfully about some fake safety reason to stay that way.

[@JBinero]

@grażyna pies This is about high-rises. In other parts of the world, high rises also are required to use a separate pump system.

[@f.demascio1857]

London uses them as well, usually in the attics.

[@frankify489]

Its only a new york thing.

[@samgunn12]

Sailing ships used wooden tanks to hold fresh water. Only the water wasn’t fresh for long. All sorts of bacteria and crud grows inside wooden tanks making water unpalatable. That’s why ships after the industrial revolution installed metal tanks. Wood is a strange choice for a modern industrial city.

[@Filo127]

Im surprised that according to the video there are no other options besides wood and steel? Wouldnt plastics or some combination of metal and plastic be a long term and cost-effective option? There are plastics that are protected against uv and especially if its double walled you would have great insulation. Also a sterile environment and less weight to carry up to the roof.

[@lordgarion514]

It grows inside metal tanks as well, and just as well. There's a reason they treat the water, and it's not because of some towers.

[@axel3895]

@@Filo127 winters are harsh in neyyork plastic wont survive

[@lordgarion514]

@@marlinlenchanteur4260 What makes you think metal tanks are easy? Not just short t to costs, metal tanks are much harder to install. Sure, they last longer, but not for free, and not easily. You either have rust issues, which is why stainless steel lined home water heaters rust out after about 20-40 years, or you have to occasionally strip and paint the inside, like they do regular water towers, which is right damned expensive itself. Seems quite a bit better to use wood. Unless you're going to pay the expense of using nothing but high grade stainless steel to make the entire tank. And that's stupid enough that no one anywhere in the world does it.

[@ChrisGilliamOffGrid]

@@lordgarion514 People always assume they know more than the people that chose, install, and use these systems. There is always a reason for things being done the way they are done.😉

[@HKim0072]

The crappy thing about this video was it explained in “modern” times how it works with electronic sensors. This tells me nothing! How did it work originally?

[@hpiccus]

Probably had mechanical sensors connected to the valves, like a bobber or a float connected to a lever arm connected to a shut off valve.

[@phongphong4640]

I find the wooden water towers aesthetically appealing in our skyline. I love them being a part of our visual landscape. I live in New York City for over 2 decades and I drink and cook from tap water. I am healthy, happy and vibrant. Life is a mini vacation. Take it Easy and Have some Fun!

[@acmeopinionfactory8018]

Narrator says the water is used for 'water suppression', when she meant 'fire suppression'.

[@MR-nl8xr]

Now it makes sense. Good comment.

[@nik_evdokimov]

Water be like: "TAKE COVER, I AM RECEIVING SUPPRESSIVE FIRE, OVER"

[@kategrant2728]

Fight water with water.

[@michael-dm2bv]

and that is probably an incorrect statement. Fire suppression in a skyscraper is more than likely off the street mains, with one or more fire pumps, depending on the height of the building.

[@relaxradio3904]

Why is the blue background a map of Paris? We don't have water towers here...

[@pellekuipers4076]

Relax Radio Asking the real questions here

[@relaxradio3904]

@@pellekuipers4076 lmao, they fucked up big time

[@downstream0114]

@@relaxradio3904 It's one of the first results for "city map blue stock" on Google, I guess. Lazy, more likely.

[@henrylombard1965]

Noticed the same!

[@clangsison]

lol

[@teddy.d174]

Very interesting video, I love little information tidbits like this one! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@carolhankins5896]

Very interesting facts I never knew before.Thank you for sharing 👍🏼

[@agme8045]

Tbh its weird to see the water tanks on the roofs lol, where i live all buildings have their tanks covered with continuations of the buildings so you cant really see the tank.

[@keysislandhopper4768]

If using modern SS tanks you want them out of sun, out of freezing,,, Wood insulates but rots Ss has fewer issues, but not insulation

[@theworldoverheavan560]

@@keysislandhopper4768 why are you taking about German tanks?

[@keysislandhopper4768]

@@theworldoverheavan560 stainless steel idiot

[@agme8045]

Gunnar Landin and they take the water out of the street and that’s it? And by buildings we are talking about high enough buildings that in most places require a tank.

[@wishywish025]

- Be a youtube channel - Talks about water tanks in New York - Uses a map of Paris at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="82">1:22</a> - > Jeograffi stonks

[@pierrel.5505]

wishywish025 thank god I scrolled down enough, I was about to mention it as well ^^

[@Zolacolor]

The use the Paris map in every video - starting to find it annoying!

[@twizz420]

Are you talking about that one second clip where they used a stock background of a city map?

[@arposkraft3616]

@@Zolacolor paris is overflooded with all the nationalities of the world...its everything

[@URANUSguys]

do u live in paris man i would have never known that

[@kenpearce3269]

Thanks for the info! I learned something new today!

[@SimulationSeries]

thanks so much for this video!

[@Grofvolkoren]

Since they all still use pumps these towers are basically buffers for peak consumption.

[@MrNateSPF]

Buffers, not just for peak consumption. The pump flows at a steady rate while people can turn on and off the water as they wish. Without the buffer you would need variable speed pumps that start and stop each time someone uses water.

[@BogeyTheBear]

Not just a buffer, but an emergency supply for the fire sprinklers. Any building less than six stories will be able to pipe water to the top floor by the city water pressure alone. Anything taller, and the water has to be driven up by a pump. In a fire, there has to be a way to deliver water to the sprinklers on the uppermost floors even if power (and the pumps) were to fail. You do that by storing a reserve of water up on the roof in a tank.

[@slome815]

@@MrNateSPF You don't really need variable speed pumps, just a centrifugal pump, those can keep running with every tap closed just fine. But I do think they should keep the watertowers, it's more efficient and it gives the city a nice late 19th century look. They remind me of whiskey fermentation tanks. And they keep coopers at work too.

[@maxkauffman6289]

Why does cheddar use a map of paris for all their backgrounds?

[@Eusantdac]

'cause Paris is sexy. Voila!

[@maxkauffman6289]

johan alejandro lmao no i just think it’s funny that they have paris in the background of videos about things around the world

[@xs10z]

Because he is gay, and as everyone knows, Paris is THE gay city. Next question.

[@stevengalloway8052]

An interesting video! Thank you very much! 👍

[@juanmarquez2804]

It would've been nice if they actually told why they're wooden. I'm from Argentina and we usually use the same, but made out of plastic (which is really cheaper than both wood and metal). So, telling that wooden are cheaper than metal ones, doesn't really explain why they choose wood. I would like to know why, because I'm really surprised about the wood.

[@nolansrecovery1975]

I’ll save your time. The wooden water tanks are cheaper, better insulated, and in more demand than the steel water tanks.

[@exhale7873]

Nolan’s Awesome Journey it’s a 5 min video what are you on about

[@melainewhite6409]

I imagine a wooden tank, which consists of pieces, could be carried up stairwells to the roof for installation in the days before modern cranes (and the days of ample strong backs). Or at least hoisted in pieces manually from the roof. This would hold true in modern times for tall buildings not easily serviced by ground crane.

[@sagegarden5310]

Very interesting. I live in Chicago , we have them everywhere too. I always wondered what they were for. I like the old fashioned look they give a city. I also thought they were to help put out a fire if the building goes up in flames. Thanks, very insightful.

[@jandovlogs5755]

Very good information thanks for sharing greetings 🖖

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

The only reason I know about these water tanks and the rosenwach company is thanks to this video and an episode of Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe.

[@Richard1977]

Same here!

[@punker4Real]

that is why they are gross

[@trombone7]

Let me save you some time : <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="191">3:11</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="275">4:35</a>.

[@ebrxh2721]

I mean the whole video is still interesting to watch...

[@WeatherManToBe]

Ty

[@andresp1582]

People like you in the comments are awesome

[@john3260]

That's nice but I think some context is needed.

[@trombone7]

@@john3260 It's the other way around. 3:11 - 4:35 is what's needed. Context is nice.

[@mattdathew2794]

i like the research & history, all makes great content

[@francispower1418]

So now every time I see one of the many wooden tanks I can see from my window in Manhattan I shall envisage a barrel of Cote du Rhone fermenting into it's full magnificence. I like New York water anyway but now it will taste all the more complex and rewarding!

[@borisberlin9215]

Did anyone notice the water towers behind the guy talking?

[@cheddar]

;)

[@springbok4015]

Sam Banana go home Sam, you drunk.

[@KHANAS1F]

Timestamp?

[@Alex632]

You do realise it was on purpose right?

[@Alex632]

@@KHANAS1F 2:40

[@caseyb5]

It is interesting that the vertical boards are not glued but stacked side by side, held by the metal rings. The water makes the wood expand and keeping it sealed (another reason why you don't paint the outside)

[@justjoe942]

Thanks, I like informative stuff.

[@mvblitzyo]

Excellent ! Find ♥️💯

[@vilstef6988]

Collect pond was on the site of NY Public Library. It was replaced with a reservoir. Part of the foundation of the reservoir can be seen in the Library. With the pressure tunnels, the water can go up to the 22nd story without pumping. The six stories cited must be from before the pressure tunnels.

[@f93nmx82]

Excellent video. Very interesting. Keep producing this kind of content guys!

[@npeace312]

Fascinating

[@jackfarrell4727]

Great story. When I was in my early 20's I worked in Miami for a company that would repair the steel legs of wooden water tanks on high buildings. Thank you for the video.

[@FatSausage]

Think I saw a video on tank inspections where there’s gross bacteria that grows in these tanks when they aren’t maintained properly

[@samborpuskas]

Last time I was this early New York residents were still using the Collect Pond

[@cheddar]

lololol

[@hansisbrucker813]

You mean New Amsterdam 😉

[@zorolobo]

As a Kid in the 40,s we would clime up and swim in one in Astoria N. Y.

[@cougar2k720]

I hope they don't do that now, for sanitary and safety reason. However, if I born in that era, I might just do that as well, haha

[@jiddon3446]

did you piss?

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

🤮

[@TripAMD]

Sounds like a blast

[@gaylahome7876]

Holy crap, that would make you 80something now. How was living through the 60s in your prime bro?

[@masterchief272]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="206">3:26</a> that’s me right now. I’m only 25 but I already feel old.

[@endeyfire]

wooden water towers are inexpensive, and relatively easy to replace. metal water towers are more likely to rust and cost more to maintain.

[@heatedpants8437]

Replacement rate of metal towers are still less than wooden ones

[@endeyfire]

@@heatedpants8437 you still have to coat the metal and treat it every so often. that may mean completely draining a metal water tower of water to ensure it doesnt rust, additional metal is a conductive material, that means it may be harder to regulate the temperature, especially with cold weather.

[@endeyfire]

i swear i spell shit and it comes out sideways

[@S2Tubes]

They don't maintain any of them in many cases.

[@endeyfire]

@@S2Tubes maintenance is not everything. metal water towers can be heavy, and the heavier something is, the more support underneath is needed.

[@ChristianJiang]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="158">2:38</a> “. . . you see the city skyline pinpointed with water tanks throughout the skyline” Wow this is such a beautiful sentence

[@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont]

Approved by the Department of Redundancy Department.

[@Mike-739]

B&O Operator Fairmont this message was approved by the council for comment grammar checking council

[@unnamedny]

The real reason it's still around is because there are only 2 companies in NYC who make, install and maintain those towers. Both are union companies and both hold monopoly on the market.

[@diannawilson1329]

Monopoly = 1

[@nippuckz]

Tanks are used because they provide water pressure. The amount of pressure is reletive to the height of the tank. It's easier to use a pump to fill a tank and have the tank provide pressure than have a pump running full time to create pressure

[@MaxieM0us3]

So iconic indeed that there is a scene in the animated movie An American Tail, where Fievel sang Somewhere Out There on top of the tower, before resting on a floating basket turned as a bed, inside the water tank.

[@sgt.kilrain6891]

Great! A rodent living in the drinking water storage device. Don't see any problems with that at all. Think I'll stick with well water.

[@MaxieM0us3]

Sgt. Kilrain Hahaha you killed me!

[@colinpovey9560]

Some wonder why not just pump water. One big reason is that there is a large demand for water in the morning, with people getting up, showering, making breakfast, brushing teeth, etc. getting ready for work, millions of people at once. Huge demand that the underground system could not supply. So, the tanks supply a 'buffer', in that they are filled up slowly during the night and day, and can empty themselves fast in the mornings. Another advantage is that gravity works 24x7x365, meaning that if the power fails, or the pump breaks, you still have flowing water (I believe the tanks are generally sized to supply more than a days needs). Lastly, because they do not have to pressurize the water system, the pumps can be smaller, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly.All-in-all, a great system.

[@ChrisGilliamOffGrid]

Yep. Well said. Lot's of ignorant Europeans in the comment section think we are behind the times because we use a better system.😉

[@davidgerow]

Very interesting.

[@davidclaudy4822]

The best answer is to watch Mike Rowe on Dirtiest Jobs. They are more popular, due to the ease of removal of old tank and installation of new tank and is typically done in one day. Very quick and efficient. Landlords will always go for the least expensive option if they can.

[@Quroe_]

Thank you for not asking us to subscribe in the middle of the video. I appreciate it, truly.

[@Meatball_Wizard]

Ok calm down buddy with the whole comparing ugly wooden cylinders to the Empire State Building 🤣 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="309">5:09</a>

[@rogersyversen3633]

Who can blame him? He is the descendant of two females that married into wealth.

[@rogersyversen3633]

@@lisagolowach2326 I have no idea what you just said

[@Crizakafrijolito]

That's why he keeps blinking. He knows he's saying some BULLLLSHIT.

[@testman9541]

Having a Map of Paris as a background of a show about NYC #priceless

[@dubiousdove782]

Because it's the only way spiderman can peacefully drink water without no one bothering him

[@karuscuvic]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="190">3:10</a>. "For drinking, bathing, and water suppression" Water for water suppression? Pretty sure you mean fire suppression haha

[@jamielonsdale3018]

Water [based] suppression [of fire]. Hope that clears it up.

[@seanharvey1250]

I always though that they were just really rusted steel towers lol

[@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239]

I love this.

[@lauratiso]

One question: some time ago I asked an American friend why do American houses don't have water tanks. I live in Brazil and every house here has a water tank (typically 1000L, or 265 gallons) in the attic or over the roof, it's convenient during shortages and it maintains good water pressure for the shower and other appliances. He said to me it was because during winter water could freeze and it was a convincing answer at the time. But now, after this video, I'm wondering... New York has these enormous water tanks on its buildings, so... How doesn't it freeze during winter? Oh... And another question: why wood or steel instead of plastic or fiberglass water tanks? Plastic tanks, for example, aren't so expensive as wood or steel ones, and it can be easily cleaned and they are less heavy for the building, it has practically only the weight of the water.

[@whuzzzup]

We don't have water tanks (in Germany) because there are no shortages ;) And water pressure is also not an issue because it's pretty much guaranteed to be constant. I cannot remember a time where it had been different. Why does it not freeze? Because the house uses water and the tank has no time to freeze over - water needs a huge amount of energy/cooling to freeze. When it gets replenished with new (warmer) water, there is no chance for it to freeze in the relatively mild winters.

[@lauratiso]

@@whuzzzup with the geography and size of Germany I assume that water shortages are sporadic. But in the USA it's not so rare for natural disasters to happen and the country is huge. Brazil is big too and has cities in higher altitudes than the natural water sources, so low pressure can be a problem sometimes.

[@LindelweJNcube]

Where I come from people use plastic tanks

[@quantumquestthebillionaire1527]

Where i come from we use the tap... simple....?

[@Dim.g0v]

@@quantumquestthebillionaire1527 So that tap water was never in a water tower?

[@keysislandhopper4768]

Stainless steel

[@bokoloaranyfa3824]

"people use plastic tanks" I am not sure, that the material is a problem. It is the lack of maintenance.

[@heartycoffee4754]

Plastic tanks could be bad news bears depending on the plastic. Micro plastics are already a big enough problem

[@kadnan6111]

60 grand someone is getting ripped off

[@kaspernbs]

Ok how much is it to build, transport, locate up to the roof and then install a tank?

[@kadnan6111]

Kasper Onza I know i might be wrong still 60k seems too much, but I guess that’s how it is in nyc

[@conroyboothe9616]

In my country that 60k could build a big ass modern house

[@D3fcon141]

@@conroyboothe9616 You live in a much, much cheaper country than the US. Especially New York. 60k would last a few months in New York

[@TheLmack8]

I'd imagine fees like crane permits for blocking a street & having a traffic crew would drive up the costs.

[@stephensmith799]

I always wondered why. Thanks

[@JediasHertz]

In Brazil we use Polyethylene boxes in small buildings and Concrete or metal towers in the bigger ones.

[@rupaprasad1920]

Real video starts at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="180">3:00</a>

[@TheAutobotPower]

Why not plastic, like is done in the UMS?

[@HobbyOrganist]

I remember as a kid in the 70s climbing up the ladder to the water tower in our 22 story buiding overlooking Washington Square Park, it has as I remember- a 22,000 gallon wood water tower, the thing was like a swimming pool up there it was so big. Another building I lived in later had a small one on the roof, and I remember the little access door on it's top was wide open and pigeons were roosting in the cone portion, most people have no idea those tanks sit basically wide open/unsecured, and if the wind blows the access door open, birds and rodents can get in and contaminate the water below. As I remember the wood they were made from was cedar

[@nomorebang]

Cool!

[@christiannnnnnnnnn]

What is the quality of this water? Is it actually drinkable? I can't imagine that this water is clean.

[@URANUSguys]

i guess it pretty clean come on its wine barrel technology

[@alexandersekizi1910]

@@URANUSguys firstly, wine casks are held underground in cellars with relatively constant temperatures. Secondly, the alcohol conserves the wine (simplified). Those towers on the roofs have neither, and I bet my right arm most of them are definitely NOT "inspected annually"...

[@URANUSguys]

@@alexandersekizi1910 well the water remains for let's say a max 24 hrs so it's atleast circulating. It is in a nice volume so it's not having algae . It's not in sunlight. Plus the wood is an insulated. But I would love to hear ur explanation

[@URANUSguys]

It's been used for centuries and no problem has cropped up so there must be some reason it stays fresh and usable. Tell me if it's used for drinking I have never been to America let alone NYC

[@alexandersekizi1910]

@@URANUSguys "Centuries" is a stark word giving the fact that most building are 150ys at best, and those tanks are replaced after 30ys. Well and 'fresh' and 'useable' are subjects to discussion as well - the water delivered to NV comes from mountains 200 km (!) away and IS very good in term of quality, BUT the fact it's stored out in the open doesn't improve it, especially in summer.

[@fergusoddjob]

this dude really doesn't have a way with words "that's why you now see the city skyline pinpointed with water tanks.. uh throughout the skyline"

[@billbaynes3432]

🇬🇧 Interesting story as a Brit I often wondered how the system worked? And it all makes sense! 🇬🇧 Thanks!

[@edzachary8657]

I never knew they were there but now that I do I think it's really cool, and they should stay there if at all possible keep them , its part of the history of the city

[@Theiwillsee]

Imagine the amount of dead rats and bacteria in those tanks

[@Dim.g0v]

Low as far as rats go

[@keysislandhopper4768]

Ewww Ive heard stories

[@thelorax4236]

@@keysislandhopper4768 more than just stories: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpCcg3-Yh799qJI

[@kmlac6596]

think of it as enriching your microbiome

[@w8lvradio]

I'm not sure, but doesn't that tie in with the whole "seperate taps for hot and cold" that they have in the UK?

[@greghouser2617]

So why don't other cities have wooden water tanks?

[@user-bn8pg7os8d]

Greg Houser bc we dont like dead rats in our water thats why we use plastic ;)

[@theweekthatis]

Glossed over why they don't just pump the water to the outlets, what does the tank add?

[@3506Dodge]

This is how they used to do it in England. It's why older English houses have water tanks in their attics...their older water system can't handle modern water pressure.

[@D-Man_Jam]

_"1800's epidemic that killed 3000 people."_ Corona: *_Are you kidding? That's insultingly low._*

[@nikolatasev4948]

Well, NY had a much smaller population. 3000 from a 1830 population of 185,000 was worse than 30 000 from a 2020 population of what, 8 Million?

[@AudieHolland]

@@nikolatasev4948 Don't respond with logic. CORONA OMG

[@Skullair313]

That was a meme, mr. big brain.

[@emilyclark4152]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="107">1:47</a> I live just a few miles from that!

[@xtensioncordtv1969]

Imagine being the only developed nation without free healthcare, good education systems and having the highest rates of gun violence.

[@AssaultRifleBen234]

@@xtensioncordtv1969 where are you from ?

[@Luke_05]

Imagine being the only developed nation where your trains run on the same tracks as cargo trains and so they are always delayed due to the cargo train companies owning the rails and so they get priority over the commercial ones. Also, imagine having a shit underground/tube/subway system in most cities like New York where people literally jump over the turnstiles because they use ‘no security’ and ‘they can’t catch me’ as an excuse even though it’s because they are ill mannered and rude. Also, I can’t be bothered saying more unless someone really wants me to, but here’s links to the New York thing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5KWf4eNob2CpbM | kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJnUnZuVhph8fKc A California one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/an6YaIWPap2Zq6s

[@Luke_05]

Graf von Lotzing Lmao, are you seriously trying to defend how shit America is?

[@coydog7902]

XxLukeEngland2xX RBLX Imagine being sent to prison over having a political opinion

[@sutats]

Fascinating engineering.

[@danw6014]

Once the tank is filled the wood swells and seals itself up. Years ago when farmers started using silage for feeding cattle, the first silos were made out of cypress trees. It would resist rotting. On a dairy farm that I worked on there was a wood silo that was removed in the 1950s and nailed down over the original floor above the cow stable to prevent dust and dirt from coming down on the cows during milking. There were 16 stanchions in the bottom of that barn. The best way to maintain the old wooden silos was to fill them frequently to keep the wood moist.

[@schvanger]

everything this guy says sounds like bs...

[@yacob1113]

This video makes me thirsty

[@user-vi4xy1jw7e]

Doggy

[@seanharvey1250]

Doge

[@yudosai]

Doger

[@chumbawaumbacumpa]

Dogg

[@notstinky9274]

Doog

[@grampabadger]

Water towers are on top of the buildings. It would take a big crane or a helicopter to move one to those location, so they are built onsite by crews of experienced craftsmen and only when necessary. Wooden tanks actually outlast metal tanks because they don't corrode, rust or develop leaks as readily as metal. New Yorkers also like running water - well, some of them, anyway.

[@Stubbari]

By "running water" do you mean water which can run away thanks to all the bacteria growing in it?

[@TsavosAlliance]

Now this is Educational 😎

[@Deadlife111]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="310">5:10</a> lol comparing them to the empire state building. I literally never even knew they existed

[@seanc5718]

If you never knew they existed you're probably not very familiar with NYC.

[@Deadlife111]

@@seanc5718 I'm familiar with the empire state bulding which suggests that's more familiar

[@JohnathenSweeney]

This was actually pretty neat to learn about!

[@gwinnet3142]

Thanks 🙏

[@JohnDoe-om5ho]

That pressure control makes a lot of sense, especially in summer and late winter when the water tank will have to expand and contract wood is better at doing that and is lighter than steel. Even if steel becomes more affordable I can't imagine it replacing a pre war buildings water supply