Rooftop Water Tanks New York
'Tanks a Million!'
The taste of New York’s drinking water is as good as say, Vancouver’s. In Vancouver, water is delivered to the faucet; in New York, only to the curb if you live in a building with more than six storeys. If so, the water is pumped to the wooden tank on the roof, then slips down to your apartment. There are around 15,000 rooftop tanks in New York.
It’s all about pressure. Water needs to be pumped to tanks above 60 feet to feed faucets above 60 feet.
You see large wood tanks atop many buildings; they’re totemic, like the fire escapes attached to the outside of older buildings. One company that builds them is more than 150 years old.
Being made of Western Red Cedar, the tanks retain enough of the water’s heat in winter to prevent freezing.
Periodically, the tanks are inspected and water is frequently found to be contaminated. Plus, mandated inspections are not rigorously enforced, and sometimes rarely done.
What do they find at the bottom of those tanks? Drowned birds, mice, animal parts and feces --- even people! A 'homeless' person was discovered living in the space between a tank roof and its lid.
Additionally, at least two of the three companies that dominate the tank installation business use an epoxy which is not approved for use in drinking water, a violation of the city’s health code.
Where are they? Everywhere --- look up.
For your peace of mind, know that elevators are a more forcefully regulated concern.
About this spot
West 72nd Street 74
- 24 hours
US$
free
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Stand Up NY
UWS Comedy Club
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
NYC Pride March
The Greatest Show on Earth!
This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
American Folk Art Museum
Free recitals
The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Loeb Boathouse
Central Park
"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
1166 Sixth Avenue
Lichenstein & Otterness
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Nostalgia
Vintage subway train excursions
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Teranga
Senegalese food at the Africa Center
"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
S&P Lunch
1928 Lunch Counter
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
