Humboldt's Historic Sites

Humboldt Water Tower

East end of Third Avenue

When the Humboldt town councilors decided to build the water tower, it was against the advice of the civil engineer. In his opinion, the town well would furnish ample supply of satisfactory water for the town. Council ignored his recommendation, which was a good decision as the town wells never did provide enough water on their own.

The water tower was constructed between 1914 and 1915 under the direction of consulting engineers Chipman and Power. The inner steel tank spanned approximately 6 meters in diameter and 25 meters high surrounded by wooden exterior housing measuring 29 meters high. A conical shaped cedar-shingled roof was situated atop the structure.

Within a two foot space between the inner tank and exterior housing were iron struts encircling the tank. A series of ladders each twelve feet high were connected by platforms. The tank was capable of holding more than 165,000 gallons. The approximate cost of construction was $300,000.

The water tower served the community until 1977 when the town switched over to a new water treatment plant.

There has been a considerable effort by local volunteers to restore the water tower. The tower represents an important part of Humboldt's history pertaining to the community's long struggle to find an adequate and dependable water supply. The water tower was designated a municipal heritage site in 2002.