Tilehurst Water Tower: A Landmark of Reading, Berkshire
Standing prominently on the skyline of Berkshire, the Tilehurst Water Tower (also known as the Park Lane Water Tower) is more than just a piece of utility infrastructure. Located in the suburb of Tilehurst within the town and borough of Reading, this structure serves as a vital component of the local water network and a recognizable beacon for travelers.
The tower is strategically positioned on a ridgeline at the highest point of both the town and the borough. With its base sitting at 100 metres (330 ft) Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL), its elevation combined with its own height makes it a visible landmark from a great distance, particularly for those entering Reading from the west via the M4 motorway.
Key Facts
- Completed: 1932
- Height: Approximately 36 metres (118 ft)
- Capacity: 900,000 litres
- Current Owner: Thames Water
- Primary Function: Water storage and distribution
- Secondary Function: Radio transmitter for Greatest Hits Radio Berkshire & North Hampshire
History and Purpose
The tower was commissioned and erected by the Reading Borough Council in 1932. Its primary purpose was to supplement the existing Bath Road Reservoir, ensuring that properties located at higher elevations—which the earlier water tower could not effectively serve—received a reliable water supply.
While ownership has since transferred to Thames Water, the tower remains fully operational for its original intended purpose today. Beyond its utility, the tower has become a cultural touchstone for the area, lending its name to the nearby Water Tower public house and the terminus of route 17 for Reading Buses.
Technical Specifications and Utility
The structure holds a total water capacity of 900,000 litres (approximately 200,000 imperial gallons or 240,000 US gallons). This capacity allows it to provide roughly 10 per cent of the total water used throughout Reading.
In addition to water management, the tower's height makes it an ideal location for telecommunications. It currently houses the transmitter for Greatest Hits Radio Berkshire & North Hampshire, extending the reach of the local radio station across the region.
Commemorative Events
The tower is occasionally used for public commemorations due to its high visibility. In November 2018, the structure was illuminated in poppy red to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. This illumination remained visible across a wide area until Remembrance Day on 11 November.
Summary of Tilehurst Water Tower
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire |
| Coordinates | 51°27′5.76″N 1°2′49.56″W |
| Base Elevation | 100 metres (330 ft) AMSL |
| Structure Height | ~36 metres (118 ft) |
| Water Contribution | ~10% of Reading's water usage |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Tilehurst Water Tower built?
The tower was completed in 1932 by the Reading Borough Council.
Who currently owns and operates the tower?
The tower is currently owned and operated by Thames Water.
How much water does the tower hold?
It has a total capacity of 900,000 litres, which is equivalent to 200,000 imperial gallons or 240,000 US gallons.
Does the tower serve any purpose other than water storage?
Yes, it houses the transmitter for the local radio station, Greatest Hits Radio Berkshire & North Hampshire.
Why is the tower located at its specific site?
It was placed on a ridgeline at the highest point of the town and borough to provide water to properties at a higher level than those served by the Bath Road Reservoir.