Hamilton Air Force Base, California - Water Storage Standpipe
This water storage tank overlooks the base from its highest hill, near the location of the base radio tower, and was used not only as a water tank but as a locational beacon. The circular steel tank was completed in 1933 and stands approximately 70 feet tall and is 25 feet in diameter. It has a low-pitched metal roof and a concrete foundation. It is constructed of ten seven-foot-high steel panels that are riveted together. The side seams are staggered and have a triple row of rivets. It has a water storage capacity of 265,000 gallons. This structure was equipped with a painter's trolley and a beacon platform, and is painted in an orange and white checkerboard pattern.
The water tower was one of the first structures erected on base and had the base name painted on its west side. Visible from the original sentry house, it was the identifying feature when entering the base. It was built by the Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel Group for $7,833.00.
