Tuesday 16 August 2011

The Usefulness Of Water Tanks Cannot Be Dictated By Time

By Abigail Carter


Lubbock is the dwelling site of eleven water towers. Hardly anyone takes notice of these structures.

Old steam engines needed water for power and it was during the era of steam engines that these water tanks were built. One of the few remaining external freestanding pipes was reconstructed as one of the water towers. The huge water tanks that serve as lighthouses are the only ones openly perceived to be most useful to the city.

Their primary purpose is to establish stable water pressures in the pipelines. The water treatment superintendent for the City of Lubbock said that these tanks each hold one million gallons of water. The level of water is maintained through controls at the main office of the Municipal Water Plant.

Water distribution lines are responsible for delivering water throughout the city and these lines are directly connected to water reservoir tanks. Before the advent of water tanks, the city of Lubbock used standpipes. By keeping the standpipes filled with water, strong drafts of wind are not able to overthrow the pipes.

The water towers were chosen over the standpipes. Old, useless tanks will be torn apart and sold for scrap metal in the future. One old tank is positioned by the main station and has been used to fuel the building's airconditioning systems and boiler rooms.

The interior of these two tanks is treated with protective grease like coating. A stable electrical field is sustained in the water to block oxidation and rust. The water plant made an agreement with a firm to perform the maintenance works. All three of these tanks are checked periodically for any sign of failing equipment or deterioration then repaired accordingly.

The tanks do not flame up by themselves. An oversupply of water causes a significant amount of water to flow through a downward outlet, into a pipe and onto the ground. Unsatisfactory demand for water provides an alarm within the control room to alert the employees, as well as when the pressure in the tank is too great.

The employees lessen the pumps that work in that area straight away. The presence of these towering structures in Lubbock provides a diversion from the boring view of plains and telephone poles. The evolution of this young city can be attested by some of the old water tanks which date back to the beginnings of the city. Lubbock's population is supplied with water through these water tanks. Water shall always be provided by these water tanks to those who ask for it.




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