From close up, the water tower in Tweedsmuir Camp is an awesome structure. It is made from reinforced concrete that was poured between softwood shutters and supported by 8 columns.
Such towers are included in water systems because they reduce the drain on mains water particularly at peak times. When less water is consumed than a system pumps, surplus water flows into the tower through an intake pipe. When more water is consumed than a system pumps, water starts to flow from the tower through an outlet pipe. A valve controls how much water flows into the tower to prevent it from overflowing. One reason for including a water tower in Tweedsmuir's water supply, therefore, may have been to overcome a concern the 'Wey Valley Water Company' had in the supply of water to the camp; an issue that was discussed between Mr Teale of the Wey Valley Water Company and Major Kerry RCE (see 'Construction of Tweedsmuir Camp').
|
