Colonel Ward Pumping Station is a vital part of the infrastructure in Buffalo, New York. It has been supplying clean drinking water to the city since 1904 and is now an important landmark for its residents. The station pumps over 17 million gallons of water per day from Lake Erie into storage tanks throughout the city. This process helps to keep safe levels of chlorine and other chemicals in the drinking water, which is vital for keeping residents healthy.
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The Colonel Ward Pumping Station is an iconic structure and has become a symbol of Buffalo’s history. It stands tall at the intersection of Main Street and Niagara Street, with its red brick walls and arched windows providing a unique view of the surrounding area. The station was named after Col. Alfred M. Ward, the chief engineer of the Buffalo Water Works in 1904, who oversaw its construction and operation.
The pumping station has seen several renovations and upgrades over the years to keep up with advances in technology and modern water treatment techniques. Inside the building one can find two 1,000-horsepower pumps that are capable of pumping up to 16 million gallons of water per day. The pumps are connected to an underground network of pipes that deliver clean water throughout the city.
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The Colonel Ward Pumping Station is a major part of Buffalo’s history and identity, as well as a vital resource for its residents. Its importance to the city’s infrastructure cannot be overstated, and it is sure to remain a fixture in Buffalo for many years to come. As the city continues to grow and evolve, so too will the Colonel Ward Pumping Station, a symbol of Buffalo’s hard-working spirit and commitment to providing its citizens with safe drinking water.