By providing storage for water that is not immediately needed, these tanks help to create an equalizing effect on the water system by allowing some pumpage to be shifted from peak-demand to low-demand hours. They also contribute to public safety, by helping to ensure adequate flows will be available for fire fighting purposes.

The oldest of the above-ground storage tanks is located on Old Jacksonville Road. Built in 1966, this elevated model has a capacity of one million gallons. The second tank is a ground-level model built in 1976. It has a capacity of four million gallons. The newest tank, built in 1998, is a five million gallon "standpipe" located off Cockrell Lane south of Wabash Avenue. (View photos of the three storage tanks.)

CWLP's three storage tanks fill and discharge their water in different ways. The elevated Old Jacksonville Road tank "floats on the system," meaning it discharges or refills based on reductions or increases in the system's water pressure. As pressure lowers, the tank discharges water; as pressure rises, the tank fills. No pumps are required by this tank. The Factory Street ground-level tank relies on system pressure for refilling, but requires pumps for discharging. Water can be discharged from this tank at a rate of about 6 million gallons per day. The Cockrell Lane standpipe can either float on the system or use pumpage, as desired, for both refilling and discharge.

To view photos of CWLP's three above-ground water storage tanks, or for more information about our water transmission and distribution system, or about the Water Division in general, select any of the topics or subtopics listed in the left-hand column of this page.

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Last update: 08/01/11