Reading Standpipe

The Reading Standpipe is a water tower made of steel and wrought iron, located at the corner of Auburn and Beacon Streets. The structure was roughly 140 feet tall and stored water while regulating pressure throughout the local system.

The water tower was built between 1890 and 1891 as part of Reading's first municipal water system. It remained in operation until its removal in 1999.

The National Register of Historic Places recognized this engineering achievement in February 1985 for its role in Massachusetts public infrastructure development.

The tower is located in an accessible area of town at a well-known street corner. Visitors can view the structure from the street and observe its proportions and construction details from various angles.

The tower's design mimics features of medieval fortifications, setting it apart visually from other water towers of its time. This castle-like appearance was an unusual approach for water storage structures of that era.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.53111,-71.10583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:11