While researching for this episode of my KZread Series, Built to Last, I discovered a wonderful discussion of why water systems are designed with reservoirs on the periphery of the system, opposite the system pumps. This interesting document was written by W.R. Coats, engineer for the City of Ypsilanti’s Water System built in 1889 - 1890. cms3.revize.com/revize/ypsilantiwater/Documents/About/History/YCUAFirstAnnualReport.pdf Coats outlines the short comings of a direct pumped system (no reservoir) at the City of Kalamazoo in the late 1860s, contrasted with the advantages of a reservoir fed system constructed in Ypsilanti: 1. The reservoirs can be filled during daytime hours requiring only one shift of operators. Systems requiring constant pumping require full time staffing, two shifts. 2. A fire in the center of the can receive water from both the pumps and reservoir - potentially doubling the flow without an increase in system pressure. 3. A pumped system without reservoirs require an operator the receive notification of reduced pressure or a fire and crank up the pumps, increasing pressure. 4. The reservoir system experiences relatively uniform pressures, reducing line breakage potential. 5. Reservoir provides protection against pump failure. It’s interesting to see engineering in the late 19th century explaining water distribution in such a clear and concise form.