Operator terms · Water
What is a standpipe (water storage)?
A standpipe is a tall, ground-based cylindrical water storage tank. It holds a large volume and uses the height of its upper water to add pressure, working like a mix between a ground tank and an elevated tank in the distribution system.
Last reviewed 2026-08-03
How it stores and pressurizes
A standpipe sits on the ground but is tall, so the top portion of its water column provides usable pressure the way an elevated tank does, while the lower portion mainly stores volume.
How it compares
An elevated tank puts all its water up high for pressure; a ground tank is short and stores volume with little added pressure. A standpipe falls between the two, giving both storage and some pressure from its height.
Common questions
- Does a standpipe sit up high?
- It sits on the ground but is tall, so its upper water adds pressure.
- What is it for?
- Storing a large volume while providing some pressure from its height.
- How is filling controlled?
- Often by an altitude valve that stops inflow at a set level.