Water crib explained

Water crib should not be confused with Crib lighthouse.

Water cribs are offshore structures that collect water from close to the bottom of a lake to supply a pumping station onshore. The name crib is derived from the function of the structure—to surround and protect the intake shaft. Cities supplied with drinking water collected by water cribs include Chicago, where two of the nine originally built cribs are in active use.[1] Water cribs were also used as residences for caretakers who would live in the structure year round. Jobs included clearing debris and maintaining valves, gears, and instruments to keep the water flowing. These jobs have since been automated with periodic maintenance leaving no need for a full-time caretaker.[2]

Major cities with water cribs

CityActive cribs[3] Source
Buffalo[4] 1Lake Erie
Chicago2Lake Michigan
Cleveland[5] 1[6] Lake Erie
Toledo[7] 1Lake Erie

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2014 DWM Capital Plan. 2014. City of Chicago. City of Chicago. 2016-06-12.
  2. Web site: Toledo water intake crib was once a home. www.toledoblade.com. Ignazio Messina. August 23, 2015. February 28, 2018.
  3. This table shows above-water cribs only.
  4. Web site: Buffalo Intake Crib Lighthouse. LighthouseFriends. 2016-06-12.
  5. Web site: Walking on Cleveland water crib that pumps millions of gallons to city and suburbs. 2012-10-02. 10News. en-US. 2016-06-12.
  6. Three of Cleveland's active cribs are submerged in Lake Erie.
  7. Web site: EcoTrack 11: Where does our drinking water come from?. www.wtol.com. 2016-06-12.

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