There are some commercial buildings that come with a water tower. These towers have many ses and purposes, and are also under multiple regulations. Below are some of the uses of a commercial water tower.
Water towers are used for the following purposes:
- They ensure that water will reach the upper floors of a building. New York City was one of the first cities to mandate the installation of water towers during the 1800s, which were required on every building higher than six floors;
- They ensure that water sprays from the tap with adequate force;
- They prevent backflow of groundwater into a system. In hilly areas, parts of a gravity-flow water supply may be subject to negative pressure, which can cause groundwater to be sucked into the system through leaks, bringing with it dirt, fertilizers and/or microorganisms.
- They reduce the chance that water will freeze during cold weather. It is difficult for water in a water tower to freeze if it is constantly being drained and refilled.
- They can supply water to a building during a power outage. They cannot supply water to a building indefinitely without electricity, however, because a pump is required to refill the tower.
- Water towers contain reservoirs to help provide water during peak usage times, reducing stress on the municipal water system.
- They are a cheaper alternative to pumps, which demand electricity and must be maintained.