Union Watersphere facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Union Watersphere |
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At one time painted blue, the watersphere is a greyish white and emblazoned with UNION
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| Alternative names | Union Water Tower |
| General information | |
| Type | Water tower |
| Town or city | Union, New Jersey |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 40°41′36″N 74°15′43″W / 40.693274°N 74.262046°W |
| Construction started | 1964 |
| Cost | $89,500 |
| Height | 212 ft (65 m) |
The Union Watersphere, also known as the Union Water Tower, is a special water tower in Union, New Jersey, United States. It has a huge sphere-shaped water tank on top. Many people call it the World's Tallest Water Sphere.
This famous tower has been a landmark since it was built. It stands near major roads like U.S. Route 22 and the Garden State Parkway. The tower was first ordered by the Elizabethtown Water Company. Now, American Water owns it.
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About the Union Watersphere
The Union Watersphere is a very tall structure. It was built in 1964 by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. The cost to build it was $89,500. It stands 212 ft (65 m) high. This tower can hold a huge amount of water, about 250,000 US gallons (950 m3) of well water.
Key Features of the Tower
Because it is close to an airport, the Federal Aviation Administration asked for a special light. In 2008, a red stroboscopic beacon was added to the very top. This light helps airplanes see the tower. It also made the tower 6 ft (1.8 m) taller. The base of the tower is also used as a telecommunications tower. This means it helps with cell phone signals and other communications.
The tower is mostly a grey-white color now. In the past, it was painted blue. The name of the town, UNION, is written in big letters across the sphere. Millions of people see this tower every year. This is because it is located at a busy intersection. It is also close to Newark Liberty International Airport. There is even a museum about the watersphere in Austin, Texas. It is run by someone who used to live in Union. Another famous sphere nearby is sometimes called the "world's largest light bulb." It is at the Edison Memorial Tower.
Other Tall Water Towers Around the World
The Union Watersphere is very tall, but there are other interesting water towers too. Some are even taller or hold more water.
Comparing Water Towers
In February 2012, a newspaper article talked about a water tower in Erwin, North Carolina. This tower was finished in early 2012. It is 219.75 ft (66.98 m) tall. It can hold 500,000 US gallons (1,900 m3) of water. Some thought it was the new World's Tallest Water Sphere. But pictures showed it was shaped more like a water spheroid, not a perfect sphere.
Another tall tower is in Braman, Oklahoma. The Kaw Nation built it, and it was finished in 2010. This tower is 220.6 ft (67.2 m) tall. It can hold 350,000 US gallons (1,300 m3) of water. It is a little taller than the Union Watersphere. However, it is also technically a spheroid, not a true sphere. There is another large water tower in Oklahoma. It was built in 1986 in Edmond. It is 218 ft (66 m) tall and holds 500,000 US gallons (1,900 m3).
Unique Water Tower Designs
The Earthoid is a nearly spherical tank in Germantown, Maryland. It is 100 ft (30 m) tall. It can hold a huge 2,000,000 US gallons (7,600 m3) of water. It is called the Earthoid because it is painted to look like a globe of the world.
In Gonzales, California, there is a water tower that looks like a golf ball. It stands about 125 ft (38 m) high. It is supported by three strong legs. The Watertoren in Eindhoven, Netherlands, are also unique. They were finished in 1970. They have three spherical tanks. Each tank is 10 m (33 ft) across. They can hold 500 cubic metres (130,000 US gal) of water. These tanks sit on three tall spires, each 43.45 m (142.6 ft) high.
