Sign 2 - Reservoir

The reservoir was one of four buildings in a water supply complex located here. Sited immediately to the east was the 155-millimeter loading plant. To the west were the general staff headquarters and the administration building on State Route 50.

The reservoir, which measures 52 feet by 33 feet, has 5-feet 4-inch high walls of eight-inch thick concrete. The interior still holds water. Seen nearby are the ruins of the well, its capped-off head still visible, which supplied the reservoir. Also close by are the foundations of the 45-foot by 30-foot pumping station that moved water throughout the plant. Its large machines were belt-driven, powered either by steam or electricity generated at the power plant. The only remnants of the 5-story tall water tower still visible today are three of the four square concrete bases on which its slender metal support legs originally stood.

A good source of water was vital for daily operations, supplying workers’ showers, lavatories, and the various plant buildings. It was also necessary for food preparation in the restaurant and cafeterias. An ample supply of water was absolutely critical in case an accident were to occur at one of the loading plants. Fresh and fire-water mains were carefully laid throughout the complex. They were arranged so that a break in any of them due to fire or explosion would not deprive the remaining lines of water.

An identical water tower and pumping station were also built in Belcoville. Service catwalks around both water towers were favored by Bethlehem Steel Company’s official photographer. The elevation provided a panoramic view for documenting the construction of the plant and town with a tripod mounted camera. The railings are often visible in the collection of photographs found in the archives of the Hagley Museum and Library in Delaware. For security reasons, local newspaper reporters and curiosity seekers were barred from photographing the three plant complexes.