Archives

Chicago Water Tower

Chicagoans are blessed to live adjacent to one of the world's great sources of fresh water. Most Chicagoans take for granted that when they turn on any faucet, clean fresh water will flow. Rarely do we think about what it takes to bring this water to every business and home in the city. The Chief Engineer set out to discover the mechanisms that provide Chicago with this vital resource. Along the way we discovered a remarkable history and some equally remarkable people.

The story of Chicago's water distribution system has its roots with the historically famous Fort Dearborn. Ordered constructed by the War Department in 1803, Fort Dearborn resided at the mouth of the Chicago River, protecting and promoting trade in the region. Destroyed during the war of 1812 and then rebuilt in 1816, Fort Dearborn and the protection it provided, encouraged a growing settlement in the area. By 1833, 350 people resided in the area, prompting the construction of a public well which was located near what is now Kinzie and Rush Streets. By the following year, the population had risen to over 2,000 permanent residents, rendering the public well inadequate for the demand.

Private businessmen began water companies that would haul fresh water to residents, first from the Chicago River, then later from Lake Michigan. But as the population grew, contamination of the water became inevitable. Sickness claimed many lives and signaled the need for a better system of water supply and the need to extract fresh water from further away from the lake's shoreline. Out of this need and awareness, Chicago's present day water distribution system began to take shape.

By 1842 water distribution was still handled by a private company, Chicago Hydraulic Company. Establishing the very first pumping station and reservoir near Lake Street and Michigan Avenue, a water intake pipe was installed, extending 150 feet into Lake Michigan, to bring fresh water to the city. A 25 HP steam driven engine pumped the water to an elevated wooden tank. From there, water flowed by means of gravity through several thousand feet of hollowed out wooden logs used as distribution pipes laid beneath the city streets. By 1851 however, the city's population had once again dramatically increased rendering this system inadequate. A charter for a public works system was granted to Chicago, and by 1854 a new plan was put into effect.

A new intake crib built of timber, with a three by four-foot opening, now extended 600 feet into Lake Michigan. Water was pumped to a station located at Chicago Avenue, housing a vertical condensing, steam driven, single-action pump, fondly known as "Old Sally". Operating just nine hours a day, and not at all on Sunday, "Old Sally" faithfully pumped 8 million gallons of water per day, serving the city for the next 50 years. By 1857, need again outweighed capacity, and a second station, with a pump rated at 12 million gallons per day was built. Yet even with this added capacity, the city still could not produce enough fresh water to fulfill the needs of resident. Moreover, the threat of typhoid and cholera epidemics due to water contamination was on the rise. Once more, intake cribs needed to be moved further out into the lake.

No one, at the time, was more familiar with the existing water system than City Chief Engineer Ellis H. Chesbrough. He proposed that a tunnel, 5 foot in diameter, be built 60 feet below the lake surface and extended two miles out from the shoreline. Here, the intake crib would be placed to provide the freshest supply of water available. His plan drew skepticism from some; most said it could never be done. Despite this, Chesbrough prevailed, and construction on the first water supply tunnel began in March 1864.

Digging through clay, workers encountered gas pockets, quicksand and boulders, enabling them to average only 12 feet each 24 hours. In July 1865, a pentagonal crib constructed of timber was sunk to the bottom of the lake, two miles offshore, where the tunnel would meet with it. The crib was pumped dry, the intake shaft put in place, and tunneling toward the shore began. The two ends met in November 1866 with only a 7" difference. Lined with two shells of brick, and with a completed diameter of five feet, the tunnel began supplying water to a new pumping station, today known as the Chicago Avenue Pumping Station, in March 1867. Chesbrough's tunnel gained him international fame, and today is considered one of the engineering wonders of the world.

With a fresh supply of water readily available, work on a new building for the pump and water tower began. Designed by architect William W. Boyington, the structure, located at Chicago & Michigan Avenues, was built of Joliet limestone, quarried in Illinois. Its shape was designed to incorporate Gothic architectural elements, while towers were used to capture the romance of a medieval castle. The foundation consisted of 168 piles filled with concrete and capped with 12" oak timbers. Massive stones laid in cement, six feet below grade, completed the base. Each side was 40 feet wide with a doorway and two large windows. The second and third sections were similar in design but diminishing in size. Rising 154-feet above ground level, the octagonal tower, constructed in a Castellated Gothic style, was centered and set back from the top of the third section. Originally built to house the 138-foot high, 3-foot in diameter standpipe used to equalize pressure and minimize water pulsations in the mains, the tower now stands proud but empty, radiating with Chicago's "I will" spirit. The standpipe was removed in 1911 due to newer rotary pumps rendering such water towers obsolete. Completed in 1869, the Chicago Avenue Pumping Station had the capacity to pump 18 million gallons per day, which was actually 60% more than the city required at that time. Just two short years later fire would destroy most of the city, leaving only the water works buildings standing, to be used as a guide for the thousands who lost everything they had. Today the tower still stands, serving as a visitor information center, offering the latest information on the city's special events, parades, festivals, and museum exhibits.

As a note of interest, some believe that the tower is a haunted place as well. According to Windy City Ghosts, by Dale Kaczmarek, one heroic worker stayed behind to man the pumps as fire razed the city. When the flames became too close for him to escape, he hanged himself in the tower rather than be burned to death. Tourists and locals alike claim to have seen the shadowy figure of a hanging man through the upstairs windows.

As Chicago grew, the Chicago Water Department continued to evolve. Today there are seven bureaus coordinating efforts to ensure the City of Chicago and the surrounding communities receive an adequate supply of fresh water. The bureaus, and their function, are as follows:

1. Bureau of Administrative Services ? the objective for this bureau is to coordinate functions and provide information to all the bureaus in order to keep them running smoothly and efficiently.
2. Bureau of Water Distribution ? this bureau is responsible for the construction and maintenance of over 4,227 miles of water mains. In addition, they are also responsible for operating and maintaining 47,132 fire hydrants, as well as checking and testing each one at least twice a year. They also install, operate and maintain the 45,000+ valves located throughout the water grid, allowing them to isolate certain areas for repair without interrupting service to the entire area.
3. Bureau of Water Treatment ? responsible for production, purification and quality control of the Chicago Water System, this bureau operates and maintains the largest purification system today. Known not only for the quantity and quality of water produced, this bureau is dedicated to finding ways to facilitate the improvement of both testing and treatment of the water in the Chicago Water System.
4. Bureau of Water Quality ? responsible for analyzing water samples to ensure that they meet the standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Over 15,000 samples are taken from the purification plants as well as 10,000 more from distribution areas annually.
5. Bureau of Water Engineering ? responsible for providing engineering services for the operation of the water system. They also advise the Commissioner on technical matters and advances in the water industry as well as monitoring supply and demand of the 118 suburbs using Chicago water.
6. Bureau of Water Services ? comprising several different divisions, this bureau is responsible for the billing and collection of revenue; and, responsible for the repair and maintenance of approximately 156,000 water meters throughout the city.
7. Bureau of Water Pumping ? responsible for the maintenance and operation of twelve water pumping stations, three water intake cribs, tugboat, intake shafts and supply tunnels.

Headed by Commissioner Rick Rice, and Deputy Commissioner Fran Blake, the Bureau of Water Pumping is in charge of the operation and maintenance of all 12 pumping stations and the cribs. Pumping an average of one billion gallons of water daily, the system delivers purified water to 836 square miles of residential, commercial and industrial properties, as well as for fire use. Of the water delivered, 42% is sold to suburban communities, which helps enable the Chicago Water System to be a self-sufficient utility.

Water is brought into the city in much the same way it was many years ago. Tunnels from three water intake cribs, (two active and one used as standby), feed lake water to the purification plants. Named a "crib" because of its function, the massive structure surrounds, or protects, the intake shaft. Located approximately two to 2-1/2 miles offshore, these cribs are built to withstand the surrounding water pressure which is used to establish the flow of water into the intake shafts, as well as high waves during storms, and ice formation in the winter. Water enters the crib through an intake port five feet above the lake bottom. The water rises around the outside of the shaft until it reaches openings located near the top. From there the water is fed by gravity down to supply tunnels located 75 to 200 feet below lake level. Varying from 10 to 20 feet in size, these tunnels are lined in concrete to reduce friction as the water makes its way to the purification plant.

The Carter H. Harrison crib, located just off Oak Street Beach, began operation in 1900. The crib supplied one tunnel into shore, which then branched into three separate tunnels, one feeding the Central Park Pumping Station, one running to Springfield Avenue Pumping Station, and one to The Chicago Avenue Pumping Station. A second crib put into service in 1935, was the William E. Dever crib. Assembled on shore, this 75-foot-diameter crib was floated to its position and sunk 35 feet to the lake bottom. A concrete shaft rising to approximately 10 feet above the lake's surface delivers water to a supply tunnel 190 feet below lake level. With the Dever crib fully functional, the Harrison crib was taken out of operation in 1936. This was not to last long, however. As the city continued to prosper, and water purification became an important issue, the Harrison crib was reactivated to supply water, along with the Dever crib, to the Jardine Water Purification Plant. The supply tunnels were re-routed to accomplish this. In 1997, the Harrison Crib was again taken out of service, this time permanently.

Located at 1000 E. Ohio, the Jardine Water Purification Plant is the largest in the world. Together with its sister plant, the South Water Filtration Plant, these two plants ensure that the Chicago Water System meets, or exceeds, all standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Pollution Control Board.

Low lift pumps bring the water from the tunnels, through an intake shaft, into the plant to begin the filtration process. A total of six chemicals are added to the water in the chemical application room. These include chlorine for disinfection, aluminum sulfate for coagulation to settle impurities, polyphosphates to coat pipes and prevent lead leaching, blended phosphates to prevent corrosion in distribution mains, activated carbon to remove unpleasant taste and color, and fluoride to fight cavities. While this may seem a large quantity, the amount actually used is relatively small. It breaks down to about one teaspoon, or 15 parts of chemical, to one million parts of water.

Once the chemicals are added, the water moves to eight mixing basins. Once mixed, it then enters settling basins. Each basin comprises an area of about one acre and has a depth of 30 feet. The exceptionally slow movement of the water through here allows over 90% of the sediment to sink to the bottom, allowing for easy removal. The water then enters a filtering process, passing downward through 48 dual filters made of carefully graded layers of sand and gravel. These filters are capable of processing more than 800 million gallons of water a day. The result is crystal clear water.

Below these filters, two 1,800-foot-long water collectors transport the filtered water to a 10-acre underground reservoir where it receives a final chlorine treatment to help inhibit bacterial growth while in the distribution system. Gravity delivers the water via three, 16-foot-diameter tunnels running to each of the pumping stations in the central and north district. Identical in function to the Jardine Plant, the South Filtration Plant supplies water to the south and southwest city and suburbs. The Jardine Plant hosts the administrative offices of Chicago's Water Department. The Pumping Station's Control Center monitors the pumps and pressures of all 12 pumping stations. Ongoing renovations of the stations have enabled six of the twelve to be completely controlled and operated from the Control Center.

Strategically located throughout the Chicago area, these twelve pumping stations assure the resident that continual water service is available. Lakeview, Thomas Jefferson, and Mayfair provide service to the north city areas; Roseland, 68th Street Station, Western Avenue, and Southwest stations service the south and southwest city; Lexington Avenue services all of DuPage County; and, Central Park, Springfield, Cermak, and Chicago Avenue Stations service the central areas of Chicago. Because of its history, and the fact that it has been around the longest, the Chicago Avenue Pumping Station commands the most attention.

Under the direction of Chief Operating Engineer, Robert Cannatello, the Chicago Avenue Station actually serves a dual purpose. In addition to providing water service, the Chicago Avenue station is also a visitor's center, providing an historical overview of the pumping station in the old tower, as well as a look at the present day operation of a pumping house.

Most of the pumping stations have undergone major renovations in terms of equipment over the years. The most notable has been the conversion of six of the stations from steam power to electric. As far back as 1867 steam had been the method of choice for powering pumps. And while it is still a reliable source of power, case studies performed by the Chicago Water Department have shown that it is more economical to operate an electric station. Maintenance costs associated with the upkeep of older boilers had become substantial, and so the decision was made to begin converting the stations to electric power. Today, six of the twelve stations have been converted. Furthermore, these stations have been automated, and are now under the direct command of the Control Center.

In addition to overseeing operations at Chicago Avenue, Chief Engineer Robert Cannatello also heads a roving crew. This special crew is assigned to duties at the Chicago Avenue station as well as maintenance duties at each of the other unmanned electric stations, Thomas Jefferson, Lakeview, Cermak, 68th Street, and Southwest. Typically their responsibilities include checking equipment and making any minor repairs needed at the Chicago Avenue station, then traveling to each of the stations to check equipment operation such as bearing temperatures, oil levels, etc. Because the other stations have not been automated, they must employ a full staff of approximately 40 employees, including pipefitters, machinists, and custodians.

Being an automated station, Chicago Avenue is connected to the Control Center via computer phone lines. Through a specially designed software program, oil temperatures can be monitored, flow rates can be monitored, pumps placed in or out of service can be kept track of, pump and discharge valves can be started or stopped, as well as viewing a complete electrical diagram of the station. As with all critical operations, all this can also be accomplished directly at the station itself in the event that phone service would be interrupted. Three individual power lines coming into the station supply electrical service. This redundancy provides the necessary backup to the failure of any particular line. In the unlikely event that complete service is interrupted, an UPS power source will supply the computer with enough power to run for approximately 15 minutes, while other arrangements are being made.

Chicago Avenue Station has undergone its share of renovation, and is continuing to do so. Boilers have been removed and made way for the visitor's center and restaurant, where the daily operations of the pumping house can be viewed. In their place, six, 60-million-gallons-per-day (mmgd) pumps driven by 1,200 HP electric motors were installed to move water from the supply tunnels to the distribution mains at 40 psi. Two of the six pumps at Southwest, have been converted to the newer technology of adjustable speed drives. Current renovations at the Roseland Station include the installation of emergency generators. There are four on-site at the present time. While not designed to give maximum pumpage on a peak day, they will carry the station until the immediate crisis can be solved. Temporary generators have also been installed as backup units at Cermak and Southwest stations. For this reason the stations are also designed to assist one another in the event of an emergency. Should this happen, one station can supply minimum pressure to keep the system functioning in most areas of the city until repairs can be made. But not all renovations are of the equipment.

Due to the high profile of the Chicago Avenue Station, appearance is of the utmost concern for the staff. In 1969, on its centennial anniversary, the Water Tower was recognized as the First American Water Landmark. And then, in 1972 the Chicago Landmarks Commission commemorated both the Chicago Water Tower and the Chicago Avenue Pumping Station as city landmarks. To maintain the beauty of such an historic place, a complete renovation of the inside and outside of the building began. In 1997, cleaning of the brick on the water tower started. Using a low-pressure water spray, the porous Joliet limestone soon had itself clean and sparkling. The park area surrounding the water tower will soon be re-designed to emulate that of the pump house grounds. The roof has been redone and lighting will soon be upgraded as well. The pumping station itself will also undergo major aesthetic renovations. The entire roof will be replaced with slate due to the durability of the product. The brick will be cleaned with the same method used on the tower as well as a total masonry restoration project for seriously damaged areas.

The inside offices have not been left behind. Proudly displaying original clad copper windows in the office, the view overlooking the tower is spectacular. The roof of the pump house will be rebuilt from the inside out. Natural skylights removed many years ago will be replaced, allowing natural lighting to highlight an already spectacular sight. Steel beams in the ceiling will be taken out, refurbished and reinstalled.

Take a moment to stop in at one of the many amenities offered by The Department of Cultural Affairs. A first-class restaurant offers many delectable tidbits visitors may nosh while viewing the inner workings of the pumping station. Take particular note of the nameplates located on each pump. Named for retired engineers from the station, it provides that little bit of home to make each day a little more pleasant. Flags of many nations adorn the terrace located above the main pump floor. Originally located on the water tower, the flags were removed for renovation and are now used to welcome all that enter The Chicago Avenue Station. The park surrounding the historic water tower offers a serene setting for all who stop. Tall, stately trees invite all passersby to rest in their shade, and take in the sites and sounds. This has become a natural resting place, a place to combat the hustle and bustle of an active city, even if only for a moment. A free trolley service is offered to Lincoln Park and down Michigan Avenue. And if you fancy viewing the sights of the city in an unconventional manner, try a carriage ride. And if you're really lucky, you may stop at one of the water fountains offering cool drinks for horse and dogs alike.

For now, the Chicago Water System can handle all the water a great city needs. With a system built for a capcity of 2 billion gallons, they have not even come close to maximizing usage. What we will see is a future filled with capital improvement programs to make an already incredible system that much more incredible. Current studies are underway looking into the possibility of moving the intake cribs further out into the lake to provide an even better water quality to citizens. There is no doubt that the City of Chicago is a city that works. A visit to the Chicago Avenue Pumping station will tell the story.

Archives